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[[Haesan]] (Haean: 해산), officially the [[Haesan|Commonwealth of Haesan]] (Haean: 해산민국) is a semi-presidential, parliamentary, capitalist, democratic republic located in the east of [[Hesperida]] in the [[International Democratic Union]]. It borders [[Laeral]] to the west through the disputed province of the Littoral Marches and [[Lao Sansong]] to the north. The narrow [[Slokais Straits]] separate Haesan from the [[Slokais Islands]] in the east. The nation is noted for its long coastline and many river valleys, and maritime activity has long been a core component of its economy. Haesan covers an area of 373,309 km² and has a population of 131 million people.
[[Haesan]] (Haean: 해산), officially the [[Haesan|Commonwealth of Haesan]] (Haean: 해산민국) is a semi-presidential, parliamentary, capitalist, democratic republic located in the east of [[Hesperida]] in the [[International Democratic Union]]. It borders [[Laeral]] to the west through the disputed province of the Littoral Marches and [[Lao Sansong]] to the north. The narrow [[Slokais Straits]] separate Haesan from the [[Slokais Islands]] in the east. The nation is noted for its long coastline and many river valleys, and maritime activity has long been a core component of its economy. Haesan covers an area of 373,309 km² and has a population of 131 million people.


Haesan was first unified in the 10th century, but the nation would cease to be self governing in the 18th century when it was colonized by [[Opthelia]] in the south and the French in the north. The two occupying factions fought the [[War of Haesanite Succession]], in which the Opthelian forces conquered the whole of the nation. Opthelian occupation would last until protests and revolutionary actions led to the establishment of the First Commonwealth of Haesan in 1921. After two decades of political instability, the April Coup in 1942 established the [[Free Republic of Haesan]], a military-backed dictatorship. In 1951, [[Henri Lagarde]] seized control, and with foreign backing implemented his vision of [[Lagardian futurism|futurism]], intensely focusing on scientific advancement, often at the cost of economic growth. In the [[Great War]], Haesan lost its territorial integrity after invasions from [[Darya]], Laeral, and the Slokais Islands, and at the war's conclusion a provisional government was established by [[Libertas Omnium Maximus]]. After 5 years of provisional oversight, the Free Republic of Haesan was reestablished, and Henri Lagarde was reinstalled as its leader. In 1980, an aging Lagarde was assassinated and his Minister of Defence, [[Kim Ji-hun]] seized power and facilitated the return to democracy in 1985.
Haesan was first unified in the 10th century, but the nation would cease to be self governing in the 18th century when it was colonized by [[Opthelia]] in the south and the French in the north. The two occupying factions fought the [[War of Haesanite Succession]], in which the Opthelian forces conquered the whole of the nation. Opthelian occupation would last until protests and revolutionary actions led to the establishment of the First Commonwealth of Haesan in 1921. After two decades of political instability, the April Coup in 1942 established the [[Free Republic of Haesan]], a military-backed dictatorship. In 1961, [[Henri Lagarde]] assumed control, and with foreign backing implemented his vision of [[Lagardian futurism|futurism]], intensely focusing on scientific advancement, often at the cost of economic growth. In the [[Great War]], Haesan lost its territorial integrity after invasions from [[Darya]], Lao Sansong, and the Slokais Islands, and at the war's conclusion a provisional government was established by [[Libertas Omnium Maximus]]. After 5 years of provisional oversight, the Free Republic of Haesan was reestablished, and Henri Lagarde was reinstalled as its leader. In 1980, an aging Lagarde was assassinated and his Minister of Defence, [[Kim Ji-hun]] seized power and would reluctantly facilitate a return to democracy in 1985.


Modern democratic leaders have sought to improve social cohesion throughout the multiethnic state through policies like the [[Block Association System]], while seeking to modernize the nation's sluggish economy. In the wake of the [[Monetary Crisis of 2004]], the government of [[Choi Da-yeon]] used policy to provide favorable conditions for foreign investors, leading to both extraordinary improvements in infrastructure and very high wealth inequality. Haesan's economy largely revolves around export-oriented manufacturing, but a significant proportion remains agricultural. A majority of the population lives in urban areas, and its city of [[Suyang]] is one of the largest cities by population in the IDU.
Modern democratic leaders have sought to improve social cohesion throughout the multiethnic state through policies like the [[Block Association System]], while seeking to modernize the nation's sluggish economy. In the wake of the [[Monetary Crisis of 2004]], the government of [[Choi Da-yeon]] used policy to provide favorable conditions for foreign investors, leading to both extraordinary improvements in infrastructure and very high wealth inequality. Haesan's economy largely revolves around export-oriented manufacturing, but a non-negligible portion remains agricultural. A majority of the population lives in urban areas, and its city of [[Suyang]] is one of the largest cities by population in the IDU.


Haesanite culture is gaining international recognition, driven largely by the ''haeryu'', or wave of [[Hae-pop|Haean language pop music]] produced in Haesan. Haesan's traditional cuisine, cultural traditions, and athletic events have also seen a resurgence after the [[Korean Language Administration Act|Haean Language Administration Act]] provided government funding to preserve traditional cultural activities. Haesan is also a major tourist destination, with visitors flocking to the quaint port cities and pristine beaches of its Maritime Provinces in the [[Albarine Sea]].
Haesanite culture is gaining international recognition, driven largely by the global growth of [[Hae-pop|Haean language pop music]]. Haesan's traditional cuisine, cultural traditions, and athletic events have also seen a resurgence after the [[Korean Language Administration Act|Haean Language Administration Act]] provided government funding to preserve traditional cultural activities. Haesan is also a growing tourist destination, with visitors flocking to the quaint port cities and pristine beaches of its Maritime Provinces in the [[Albarine Sea]].


== Etymology ==
== Etymology ==
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==History==
==History==
=== Ancient History ===
=== Ancient History ===
According to Haesanite [[Celestialism|Celestial]] mythology, the nation was founded in 1900 BCE by So-yu and Su-ho. In the archeological record, however, the first evidence of organized civilizations was found on the southern coast dated to around 800 BCE with settlers establishing small fishing communities on the Hanyeong Peninsula. By 600 BCE, there is archeological evidence of these communities forming loose trade networks with pearls being used as a proto-currency. These communities would ultimately form trade networks, and then unify either through violence or diplomacy into loose confederations of city states.
[[File:Pearl fishing.webp|left|thumb|Pearls were a proto-currency in ancient Haesan, and were more valuable based on size and lustre]]
According to Haesanite [[Celestialism|Celestial]] mythology, the nation was founded in 1900 BCE by So-yu and Su-ho. In the archeological record, however, the first evidence of organized civilizations is dated to around 800 BCE with settlers small fishing communities on the Hanyeong Peninsula. By 600 BCE, there is archeological evidence of these communities forming loose trade networks with pearls being used as a proto-currency. These communities would ultimately form trade networks and then unify either through violence or diplomacy into loose confederations of city states.


By 200 BCE, the largest of these confederations, now known as the Hanyeong Compact, comprised over 20 towns across the Gulf of Sinju region, would be recognized as the first formal political polity in Haesanite history.  Founded on the principle of "one town, one vote" the group would make economic and treaty decisions by majority vote{{Efn|It is important to note that the vast majority of historians agree that this system in no way democratic.  The vast majority of leaders, almost entirely male throughout its documented history, were appointed by primogeniture.  None of the town-wide selection processes involved local elections.}}, and the towns would see a period of prosperity as the southwest became by far the richest and most influential area of Haesan, a fact which has not changed to the present day.  Eventually, by 100 CE, the leaders of Sinju, which had grown into the largest city in Haesan at the time, decided that having the same amount of influence as fishing towns a hundredth of its size was no longer acceptable after decades of failing to achieve political reforms.  As such, the ruling Seo family marshalled a military force and invaded a controlling share of the townships in the Compact.  The Seo family then declared that they had the sole right to rule over the Compact territories, but the Choi mandate in Suyang, by all accounts the second most populous and influential city at time, quickly coalesced the remainder of the towns alongside them to fight for the preservation of the Compact.  In 134 CE the two sides would start outright conflict, beginning the Warring Dukedoms period, which would last for over 800 years.
By 200 BCE, the largest of these confederations, known as the Hanyeong Compact, comprised over 20 towns across the Gulf of Sinju region, and is recognized as the first formal political polity in Haesanite history.  Founded on the principle of "one town, one vote" the group made economic and treaty decisions by majority vote{{Efn|It is important to note that the vast majority of historians agree that this system in no way democratic.  The vast majority of leaders, almost entirely male throughout its documented history, were appointed by primogeniture.  None of the town-wide selection processes involved local elections.}}, and the towns saw a period of prosperity as the southwest became by far the richest and most influential area of Haesan.  Eventually, by 100 CE, the leaders of Sinju, which had grown into the largest city in Haesan, decided that having the same amount of influence as much smaller fishing towns was no longer acceptable after decades of failing to achieve political reforms democratically.  As such, the ruling Seo family marshalled a military force and invaded a controlling share of the townships in the Compact.  The Seo family then declared that they had the sole right to rule over the Compact territories, but the Choi mandate in Suyang, the second most populous and influential city at time, quickly coalesced the remainder of the towns to fight for the preservation of the Compact.  In 134 CE the two sides would start outright conflict, beginning the Warring Dukedoms period, which would last for over 800 years.


=== Warring Dukedoms Period ===
=== Warring Dukedoms Period ===
[[File:Warring_Dukedoms.png|thumb|A map of Haesan c. 450 CE during the Warring Dukedoms period]]
{{Main|Warring Dukedoms period}}[[File:Warring_Dukedoms.png|thumb|A map of Haesan c. 450 CE during the Warring Dukedoms period]]After the collapse of the Hanyeong Compact, war broke out between the Seo and Choi Dukedoms, eventually growing to include the newly established Hwang and Kim Dukedoms.  The conflict was particularly violent and largely stagnant, and in 276{{Efn|This date is disputed by historians.  Some estimates have it as early as 263 CE, others say it took place as late as 297 CE.  The document was dated using an archaic calendar system, and estimates differ on the age of the leaders due to inaccurate or incomplete recordkeeping.  However, 276 CE is for now, the most commonly used date.}} the dukedoms signed the Four Party Ceasefire to end hostilities, one of the oldest recorded political treaties in IDU history.  However, the next two centuries saw political machinations leading to the formation of four more dukedoms, along with high levels of internal violence and instability.  Eventually these tensions would erupt in a new spate of violence in 442, concluding in three separate governates: the Kim Dukedom prevailing over the entire eastern seaboard, a unified pact jointly controlling the central plains and mountains from Suyang, and a reconstituted Seo Dukedom in the west.
{{Main|Warring Dukedoms period}}After the collapse of the Hanyeong Compact, war broke out between the Seo and Choi Dukedoms, eventually growing to include the newly established Hwang and Kim Dukedoms.  The conflict was particularly violent and largely stagnant, and in 276{{Efn|This date is disputed by historians.  Some estimates have it as early as 263 CE, others say it took place as late as 297 CE.  The document was dated using an archaic calendar system, and estimates differ on the age of the leaders due to inaccurate or incomplete recordkeeping.  However, 276 CE is for now, the most commonly used date.}} the dukedoms signed the Four Party Ceasefire to end hostilities, one of the oldest recorded political treaties in IDU history.  However, the next two centuries saw political machinations leading to the formation of four more dukedoms, along with high levels of internal violence and instability.  Eventually these tensions would erupt in a new spate of violence in 442, concluding in three separate governates: the Kim Dukedom prevailing over the entire eastern seaboard, a unified pact jointly controlling the central plains and mountains from Suyang, and a reconstituted Seo Dukedom in the west.


The tripartite division held remarkably well, allowing the dukedoms to respond to external socio-political shifts like the arrival of [[Minjian]] in the 7th century.  Often discriminated against, many were sent to what is now modern day [[High Fells]] along the Road of Exiles, a harsh trek through the Soe Mountains that few survived.  In the late 9th century, the Kwon (Ken) clan would disrupt the peace and move south from Gwansong, in modern day [[Lao Sansong]], with superiority in numbers and a slight advantage in military technology.  They would rapidly conquer the entirety of the northern plains, and after a victory at Haseon, by the early 10th century they threatened the southern coastal capitals of the established dukedoms.  Facing the risk of defeat, the three united under the banner of a joint command and over the course of the following decades would push the clansmen back to the north, before forcing their surrender in 940.  In 941, the three dukedoms would formally unite as the United Dominion of Haesan under the leadership of the victorious general Han Jae-min.
The tripartite division held remarkably well, allowing the dukedoms to respond to external socio-political shifts like the arrival of [[Minjian]] in the 7th century.  Often [[Anti-Minjian sentiment|discriminated against]], many Minjian were sent to what is now modern day [[High Fells]] along the Road of Exiles, a harsh trek through the Soe Mountains that few survived.  In the late 9th century, the Kwon (Ken) clan disrupted the peace and move south from Gwansong, in modern day Lao Sansong, with superiority in numbers and a slight advantage in military technology.  They rapidly conquered the entirety of the northern plains, and after a victory at Haseon, by the early 10th century they threatened the southern coastal capitals of the established dukedoms.  Facing the risk of defeat, the three united under the banner of a joint command and over the course of the following decades pushed the clansmen back to the north, before forcing their surrender in 940.  In 941, the three dukedoms formally united as the United Dominion of Haesan under the leadership of the victorious general Han Jae-min.
===Classical Era===
===Classical Era===
The start of the Classical Era saw tremendous technological advancements which would solidify the United Dominion of Haesan as a rising regional power.  The advancement of woodblock printing allowed for the greater spread and preservation of ideas, while modifications to the Haean language changed its complex pictographic system into a streamlined alphabet allowed for a wider degree of scholarship.  From the 11th century to the late 15th century, Haesan maintained the highest full literacy rates in the IDU, and in Suyang around 1 in 10 individuals could both read and write.  These advances to knowledge also allowed for some of the oldest institutions of higher learning, including the Great Scholastic Hall{{Efn|Now [[National Conference|Haesan University]]}} in the 13th century, the Royal College{{Efn|Now [[National Conference|Suyang University]]}} in the 15th century, and for music and art the Academy of the Court{{Efn|Now Suyang College of the Arts (Suyang Arts)}} in the 12th century.
[[File:Cheolchaek Repository.jpg|thumb|The Cheolchaek repository in Haseon; woodblock printing greatly increased literacy in Classical Haesan]]
The start of the Classical Era saw tremendous technological advancements which solidified the United Dominion of Haesan as a rising regional power.  The advancement of woodblock printing allowed for the greater spread and preservation of ideas, while modifications to the Haean language changed its complex pictographic system into a streamlined alphabet and allowed for a wider degree of scholarship.  From the 11th century to the late 15th century, Haesan maintained the highest full literacy rates in the IDU, and in Suyang around 1 in 10 individuals could both read and write.  These advances to knowledge also allowed for the development of some of the oldest institutions of higher learning, including the Great Scholastic Hall{{Efn|Now [[National Conference|Haesan University]]}} in the 13th century, the Royal College{{Efn|Now [[National Conference|Suyang University]]}} in the 15th century, and for music and art the Academy of the Court{{Efn|Now Suyang College of the Arts (Suyang Arts)}} in the 12th century.


Technological advances also led to a great increase in naval power which led to a great influx of trading and wealth.  Advancements to compass technology and more precise astrolabes allowed for greatly increased ease of navigation while improved metalworking and weaving techniques brought about faster, more durable, and more capacious ships which allowed Haesanite fleets to freely control key Albarine Sea and Promethean Sea trade routes.  Foreign visitors to Suyang in the 15th century had described the city as having a greater variety of trade goods than any other locality on the planet and were awed by the city's size and opulence; some historical estimates record that the city was both the most populous and wealthiest in the world at this period in time.
Technological advances also led to a great increase in naval power which created an influx of trading and wealth.  Advancements to compass technology and more precise astrolabes allowed for an increased ease of navigation while improved metalworking and weaving techniques brought about faster, more durable, and more capacious ships, allowing Haesanite fleets to freely control key Albarine Sea and Promethean Sea trade routes.  Foreign visitors to Suyang in the 15th century described the city as having a greater variety of trade goods than any other locality on the planet and were awed by the city's size and opulence; some historical estimates record that the city was both the most populous and wealthiest in the world at this period in time.
[[File:Haean Ship.jpg|thumb|294x294px|A 16th century Haean merchant ship; Imperial Haesan has been given the moniker the "Merchant Empire" for its extractive trade policies|left]]
After over 200 years of stable and prosperous dynastic rule, the Han family declared the Empire of Haesan in 1297.  In the late 14th century, under the Empress Min, Imperial Haesan would witness its greatest extent and peak of power, incorporating the [[Pharitaya#Early Colonial Period|Kingdom of Pharitaya]] into its territory.  Furthermore, Imperial Haesan created a near monopoly on trade of major luxuries like tea, silk, pearls, and handicrafts through what has been described as "aggressive merchant diplomacy": demanding concessions from major regional ports while simultaneously greatly reducing access to domestic markets by charging exorbitant fees to trade at Haesanite ports.


After over 200 years of stable and prosperous dynastic rule, the Han family declared the Empire of Haesan in 1297.  In the late 14th century, under the Empress Min, Imperial Haesan would witness its greatest extent and peak of power, incorporating the Kingdom of Pharitaya into its territory.  Furthermore, Imperial Haesan created a near monopoly on trade of major luxuries like tea, silk, pearls, and handicrafts through what has been described as "aggressive merchant diplomacy": demanding concessions from major regional ports while simultaneously greatly reducing access to domestic markets by charging exorbitant fees to trade at Haesanite ports.
In the 16th century, the Empire began to face serious external threats from [[Valahandia]] to the south and the [[Costenan Empire]] from the east after the Constenan conquest of the Slokais Islands.  With a strong navy and visionary leadership from Admiral Cho Je-dok, Haesan was able to fend off the first wave of foreign invasion; however, with many resources used in the initial defence, it became difficult to maintain the nation's territorial integrity for long.  In the late 17th century, Dutch arrivals established colonial ports at [[Gyeongseong]] on the nation's Promethean Coast, along with Constantia and Nieuw Tiel in the [[Sarena|Sarene Islands]].  Desperate for help and with Opthelian and French "scouting expeditions" having already been dispatched to the nation, the government licensed privateers in the Albarine Sea to try and recontrol critical trade routes, but in practice they often looted indiscriminately.  With the nation's trade-dependent economy in distress, Haesan did not have the resources to defend itself when French and Opthelian troops arrived en masse, bringing 700 years of stable dynastic rule in Haesan to an abrupt end.
 
In the 16th century, the Empire began to face serious external threats from [[Valahandia]] to the south and the [[Costenan Empire]] from the east after their conquest of the Slokais Islands.  With a strong navy and visionary leadership from Admiral Cho Je-dok, Haesan was able to fend off the first wave of foreign invasion; however, with many resources used in the initial defence, it became difficult to maintain the nation's territorial integrity for long.  In the late 17th century, Dutch arrivals established colonial ports at [[Gyeongseong]] on the nation's Promethean Coast, along with Constantia and Nieuw Tiel in the [[Sarena|Sarene Islands]].  Desperate for help and with Opthelian and French "scouting expeditions" having already been dispatched to the nation, the government licensed privateers in the Albarine Sea to try and recontrol critical trade routes, but in practice they often looted indiscriminately.  With the nation's trade-dependent economy in distress, Haesan did not have the resources to defend itself when French and Opthelian troops arrived, bringing the 700 years of stable dynastic rule in Haesan to an abrupt end.


===Colonial Era===
===Colonial Era===
From the start of the 18th century, Opthelia had made aggressive moves in the southern portion of Haesan, such as forcibly opening ports like Suyang and Anmi.  Starting from the 1730s, the government switched approaches, and began installing governorships instead, often working with and bribing local elites to bring cities under their control.  Meanwhile, the French landed in the north of the country in the mid-18th century and rapidly beginning a large wave of colonial migration, with nearly 100,000 Arrivee relocated to cities across the north over a 50 year period.  The French further established the [[Chateauvignts]] system, building castles across their colonial holdings to secure their territory.  These military developments led to increased tensions between the Opthelians and French, which erupted in the colony in 1790 with the War of Haesanite Succession.  The Opthelians would emerge victorious and would sign the Treaty of Levesque in 1792, granting them control of all of Haesan{{Efn|Including Pharitaya, which was controlled by Opthelia at the war's conclusion}} in exchange for voiding any Opthelian claims over the [[Laeral#Colonial Era|Duchy of Fells-Haute]].
[[File:Treaty of Levesque.jpg|thumb|The 1792 Treaty of Levesque ceded Haesan to the Opthelians]]
At the start of the 18th century, Opthelia made aggressive moves in the southern portion of Haesan such as forcibly opening ports like Suyang and Anmi.  Starting from the 1730s, the Opthelian government switched approaches and began installing governorships instead, often working with and bribing local elites to bring cities under their control.  Meanwhile, the French landed in the north of the country in the mid-18th century and rapidly began a large wave of colonial migration with nearly 100,000 Arrivee relocated to cities and towns across the north over a 50 year period.  The French further established the [[Chateauvignts]] system, building castles across their colonial holdings to secure their territory.  These military developments led to increased tensions between the Opthelians and French, ultimately leading to the War of Haesanite Succession in 1790.  The Opthelians would emerge victorious and would sign the Treaty of Levesque with the French in 1792, granting them control of all of Haesan{{Efn|Including Pharitaya, which was controlled by Opthelia at the war's conclusion}} in exchange for voiding any Opthelian claims over the [[Laeral#Colonial Era|Duchy of Fells-Haute]].


The early period of Opthelian rule was marked by missteps and rebellions.  In order to establish Opthelian control over commercial affairs, strict levies on luxury goods and property were implemented across the south of Haesan, from which Opthelian leaders were often exempt.  Discontent was particularly strong in [[Anmi]], where Cho's Rebellion broke out in 1806, where locals torched the Opthelian military barracks in the city and burned down several naval ships.  As word got out and protests began to spread, Opthelia fortified the cities, quashed protests, and put many key cities under martial law, an order that would stay in place in some cities for over four decades.
The early period of Opthelian rule was marked by missteps and rebellions.  In order to establish Opthelian control over commercial affairs, strict levies on luxury goods and property were implemented across the south of Haesan from which Opthelian leaders were often exempt.  Discontent was particularly strong in [[Anmi]], where Cho's Rebellion broke out in 1806 when locals torched the Opthelian military barracks in the city and burned down several naval ships.  As word got out and protests began to spread, Opthelia fortified Haesanite cities, quashed protests, and put many key cities under martial law, an order that would stay in place in some cities for over four decades.
 
In 1852, Lord Stanley Nelson was appointed as Governor of Haesan, and he set about an ambitious series of economic reforms.  Embracing advances in steam powered machinery, he lifted martial law and coordinated with wealthy Haean businessmen to construct factories and increase agricultural production.  With coal and iron mined from the nation's western mountains, the economy of Haesan rapidly transformed, becoming one of the IDU's largest producers of cotton and linen cloth, machined iron and steel products, and consumer goods like tea and cosmetics for consumption in Opthelian markets.  The Nelson governorship saw the transformation of ports, the emergence of wealthy merchant districts in major cities, and the development of railroad infrastructure in the colony.  However, Nelson's rule also saw its own political struggles; after frustrated Arrivee in the city of Levesque formed the "Libre Levesque" movement and attempted to create the Levesque Free State in 1858, Nelson sent in police and military to the city, ultimately leading to over 2,000 dead during a two-year campaign.


In 1852, Lord Stanley Nelson was appointed as Governor of Haesan, and he set about an ambitious series of economic reforms.  Embracing advances in steam powered machinery, he lifted martial law and coordinated with wealthy Haemi businessmen to construct factories and increase agricultural production.  With coal and iron mined from the nation's western mountains, the economy of Haesan rapidly transformed, becoming one of the IDU's largest producers of cotton and linen cloth, machined iron and steel products, and consumer goods like tea and cosmetics for consumption in Opthelian markets.  The Nelson governorship saw the transformation of ports, the emergence of wealthy merchant districts in major cities, and the development of railroad infrastructure in the colony.  However, Nelson's rule also saw its own political struggles; after frustrated Arrivée in the city of Levesque formed the "Libre Levesque" movement and attempted to create the Levesque Free State in 1858, Nelson sent police and military to the city, ultimately leading to over 2,000 dead during a two-year campaign.
[[File:Cricket at Solesly.jpg|left|thumb|A depiction of a cricket match at Solesly; the Amelian government promoted sport to the general public]]
After Nelson's death in 1887, Haesan saw a series of short-lived governorships, and after the third governor in 10 years fell ill, his wife, the Duchess Amelia, seized power.  The last of the "Seven Duchesses", the wives of Opthelian governors typically responsible for overseeing cultural affairs, Amelia sought to improve the aesthetics of society, including large scale urban beautification initiatives.  In addition to a progressive mindset economically, introducing telephone networks and electric lighting to Haesanite cities, Amelia was also an advocate of civil society, promoting nascent leagues in sports like association football and cricket, while building public facilities for the public to partake in racquet sports and golf.  Amelia was also known as a social reformer, establishing elections for local positions in 1902, and ensuring women's suffrage.  After public demonstrations over the continued suppression of Haean language in Opthelian society, she enabled Haean to be taught in schools.  Ultimately, Eddington grew concerned about potentially losing control of the colony and in 1908 while giving a speech in Suyang, Duchess Amelia was assassinated.{{Efn|The perpetrator is unknown and was never caught.  The most likely hypothesis remains that she was assassinated by an Opthelian soldier on orders from the crown, but many alternatives have been suggested.}}
After Nelson's death in 1887, Haesan saw a series of short-lived governorships, and after the third governor in 10 years fell ill, his wife, the Duchess Amelia, seized power.  The last of the "Seven Duchesses", the wives of Opthelian governors typically responsible for overseeing cultural affairs, Amelia sought to improve the aesthetics of society, including large scale urban beautification initiatives.  In addition to a progressive mindset economically, introducing telephone networks and electric lighting to Haesanite cities, Amelia was also an advocate of civil society, promoting nascent leagues in sports like association football and cricket, while building public facilities for the public to partake in racquet sports and golf.  Amelia was also known as a social reformer, establishing elections for local positions in 1902, and ensuring women's suffrage.  After public demonstrations over the continued suppression of Haean language in Opthelian society, she enabled Haean to be taught in schools.  Ultimately, Eddington grew concerned about potentially losing control of the colony and in 1908 while giving a speech in Suyang, Duchess Amelia was assassinated.{{Efn|The perpetrator is unknown and was never caught.  The most likely hypothesis remains that she was assassinated by an Opthelian soldier on orders from the crown, but many alternatives have been suggested.}}


Rapidly installing a hard line governor who shut down local elections and violently quashed protests resulting from Amelia's death, the Opthelian governate faced a vocal, public opposition movement.  The Independence Now movement, led by peaceful democracy activists Han Ju-sang and Seo Ji-min, was the most prominent organization calling for Haesanite independence; however, others like the the Haesanite Liberation Army (HLA) believed that the use of violence was justified in achieving independence.  After the 1913 Perry Wharf bombing orchestrated by the HLA, the Opthelian government cracked down on dissent in Suyang, including exiling some independence leaders from the city, including Seo Ji-min who would spend the next years traveling the country establishing Freedom Clubs to support the independence movement.  By 1920, the independence movement had captured nearly every aspect of society, and even wealthy merchants who had received patronage from the Opthelian regime had lent their resources to the growing protests.  Combined with sustained low-level terrorism from the HLA against Opthelian military targets, the cost became too large for colonial authorities to bear, and on February 1, 1921, Opthelia withdrew its last troops from Haesan, which was informally granted independence.
After rapidly installing a hard line governor who shut down local elections and violently quashed the protests resulting from Amelia's death, the Opthelian governate faced a vocal opposition movement.  The Independence Now movement, led by peaceful democracy activists Han Ju-sang and Seo Ji-min, was the most prominent organization calling for Haesanite independence; however, others like the the Haesanite Liberation Army (HLA) believed that the use of violence was justified in achieving independence.  After the 1913 Perry Wharf bombing orchestrated by the HLA, the Opthelian government cracked down on dissent in Suyang and exiled some prominent independence leaders from the city, including Seo Ji-min, who would spend the next years traveling the country establishing Freedom Clubs to support the independence movement.  By 1920, the independence movement captured nearly every aspect of society, and even wealthy merchants who had received patronage from the Opthelian regime lent their resources to the growing protests.  Combined with sustained low-level terrorism from the HLA against Opthelian military targets, the cost became too large for colonial authorities to bear, and on February 1, 1921, Opthelia withdrew its last troops from Haesan, which was informally granted independence.


=== First Commonwealth ===
=== First Commonwealth ===
On March 18, 1921, delegates from across the traditional provinces ratified the ''Constitution of the State'', which established the Commonwealth of Haesan,{{Efn|Now referred to as the First Commonwealth of Haesan}} a parliamentary democracy.  The first national elections in Haesan were held on May 3, 1921, where former independence movement leader Han Ju-sang was elected the nation's first Prime Minister.  The early democratic period saw strong social reforms, including the return of Haean language education and the establishment of an equal rights doctrine along with economic modernization initiatives which saw the fledgling nation prosper economically even as its neighbors were engaged in conflicts like the [[War of the Seven Provinces]].  In 1934, the Coalhouse Scandal{{Efn|Also called the Seoktan Crisis (석탄위기).}} exposed a high level of corruption in government when the [[Suyang Times-Courier]] ran an exposé which showed the government had cooperated with and received bribes from the Union and Southern Company to enable them to have a monopoly over coal mining and logistics, pricing many poor Haesanites out of electricity and heat.  The scandal caused an investor revolt as many foreign bond holders pulled out of the nation, leading to a bout of severe inflation and a sharp rise in unemployment.
[[File:Union and Southern Steamer.jpg|thumb|A Union and Southern steamer leaves Port Saint Clair in 1932; the government helped the company maintain a near monopoly over coal]]On March 18, 1921, delegates from across the traditional provinces ratified the ''Constitution of the State'', which established the Commonwealth of Haesan,{{Efn|Now referred to as the First Commonwealth of Haesan}} a parliamentary democracy.  The first national elections in Haesan were held on May 3, 1921, when former independence movement leader Han Ju-sang was elected the nation's first Prime Minister.  The early democratic period saw strong social reforms, including the return of Haean language education and the establishment of an equal rights doctrine, along with economic modernization initiatives which saw the fledgling nation prosper economically even as its neighbors were engaged in conflicts like the [[War of the Seven Provinces]].  In 1934, the Coalhouse Scandal{{Efn|Also called the Seoktan Crisis (석탄위기).}} exposed a high level of corruption in government when the [[Suyang Times-Courier]] ran an exposé which showed the government had cooperated with and received bribes from the Union and Southern Company to enable them to have a monopoly over coal mining and logistics, pricing many poor Haesanites out of electricity and heat.  The scandal caused an investor revolt as many foreign bond holders pulled out of the nation, leading to a bout of severe inflation and a sharp rise in unemployment.


As discontent grew amongst the urban working class due to growing inequality and rising prices, in 1938 the ruling Haesanite National Party was voted out of power for the first time and was replaced by the Republican Party of Haesan, a political bloc formed by leaders of the HLA which was a prominent advocate for workers' rights and maintained strong ties to the [[Gramontism|Gramontist]] movement.  From 1938 to 1942, they instituted drastic social and economic reforms, including steep taxation on the wealthy, implementing a large social safety net, and collecting reparations for the Haean poor indiscriminately taken from those of Opthelian or Arrivee descent.  The reforms were often funded through the printing of more currency, and as unemployment continued to rise, the cost of the safety net grew insurmountable.  As the nation reeled from its third reprinting of the seol in six years and a 31% unemployment rate, on April 4, 1942, the military stepped in, overthrew the government, and declared martial law in the April Coup.
As discontent grew amongst the urban working class due to growing inequality and rising prices, in 1938 the ruling Haesanite National Party was voted out of power for the first time and was replaced by the Republican Party of Haesan, a political bloc formed by former leaders of the HLA which was a prominent advocate for workers' rights and maintained strong ties to the [[Gramontism|Gramontist]] movement.  From 1938 to 1942, they instituted drastic social and economic reforms, including steep taxation on the wealthy, implementing a large social safety net, and collecting reparations for the Haemi poor often indiscriminately taken from those of Opthelian or Arrivée descent.  The reforms were typically funded through the printing of more currency, and as unemployment continued to rise, the cost of the safety net grew insurmountable.  As the nation reeled from its third reprinting of the seol in six years and a 31% unemployment rate, on April 4, 1942, the military stepped in, overthrew the government, and declared martial law in the April Coup.


=== Free Republic ===
=== Free Republic ===
Led by Ludovic Marquet, the military rapidly established total control of society after the April Coup and would dramatically rework aspects of economics, politics, and culture as the Free Republic of Haesan.  Marquet would establish an extensive patronage system in order to help favored companies get lucrative state-awarded contracts, even as the economic recovery progressed at a slow pace.  Marquet's main priority was lifting the redistributive taxes and reparations regime, and he ended the social welfare system along with it.  The military government also sought cultural reforms to "Liberalianize" society, including the Proper Culture Declaration in 1945, which mandated English and French as the only "proper languages" in society and funded sports like baseball and cricket instead of football, which was seen as prone to hooliganism.   
[[File:Anti FR protests.jpeg|left|thumb|An April 1958 protest in Sinju; Freedom Clubs organized large demonstrations calling for the end of the dictatorship and fighting for Haean language equality ]]
Led by Ludovic Marquet, the military rapidly established total control of society after the April Coup and would dramatically rework aspects of economics, politics, and culture as the Free Republic of Haesan.  Marquet would establish an extensive patronage system in order to help favored companies get lucrative state-awarded contracts, even as the nation's general economic recovery progressed at a slow pace.  Marquet's main priority was lifting the redistributive taxes and reparations regime, and he ended the social welfare system along with it.  The military government also sought cultural reforms to "Liberalianize" society, including the Proper Culture Declaration in 1945, which mandated English and French as the only "proper languages" in society and funded sports like baseball and cricket instead of association football, which was seen as prone to hooliganism.   


Throughout Marquet's regime, he would face significant popular opposition, much of what came from reinvigorated Freedom Clubs led by an aging Seo Ji-min.  From the Freedom Clubs in the late 1940s emerged a formalized Haeanization movement, demanding official status of the Haean language under law, Haean education on par with French and English education, and the preservation of Haean traditions and arts.  Marquet sanctioned the use of violent force against protestors as a national policy in his 1949 National Stability Act, leading to the deaths of many protestors{{Efn|The true number is lost to time, but most estimates have the number in the thousands.}} over the following decade, including Seo Ji-min, who died in police custody in 1956.  Despite the risk, millions came to see Seo Ji-min's body as it toured the nation in a remarkable act of defiance, eventually leading to reforms which greatly eased the martial law restrictions in the nation.  In 1961, Marquet died of natural causes and handed over power to his deputy, the reform minded Henri Lagarde.  Lagarde rapidly instituted drastic changes, allowing for Haean to be spoken in public without punishment and proposing an overhaul to the nation's underfunded education system in order to boost scientific advancement.
Throughout Marquet's regime, he would face significant popular opposition, much of what came from reinvigorated Freedom Clubs led by an aging Seo Ji-min.  From the Freedom Clubs in the late 1940s emerged a formalized Haeanization movement, which demanded official status of the Haean language under law, Haean education on par with French and English education, and the preservation of Haean traditions and arts.  Marquet sanctioned the use of violent force against protestors as a national policy in his 1949 National Stability Act, leading to the deaths of many protestors{{Efn|The true number is lost to time, but most estimates have the number in the thousands.}} over the following decade, including Seo Ji-min who died in police custody in 1956.  Despite the risk, millions came to see Seo Ji-min's body as it toured the nation in a remarkable act of defiance, eventually leading to reforms which greatly eased the martial law restrictions in the nation.  In 1961, Marquet died of natural causes and handed over power to his deputy, the reform-minded Henri Lagarde.  Lagarde rapidly reversed of some of Marquet's policies, allowing for Haean to be spoken in public without punishment and proposing an overhaul to the nation's underfunded education system in order to boost scientific advancement.


=== Great War and Provisional Government ===
=== Great War and Provisional Government ===
Lagarde was unable to accomplish many of his goals as in February 1963, seeking access to a foothold to attack Laeral and Libertas Omnium Maximus and at the urging of Slokasian dictator [[Juan Costa]], [[Darya|Daryan]] forces launched an assault on Haesan, unexpectedly and dramatically bringing the nation into the [[Great War]].  The next 11 months would see the Daryans advance through the nation, while Laeral, under the leadership of [[René Gramont|Rene Gramont]], occupied land in Soeyan Province to "shore up defenses" while Maximusian forces protected their ports by fortifying the Sarene Islands.  Ultimately, on January 11, 1964, Daryan forces would capture Suyang, declaring all of Haesan Daryan territory, as Lagarde and a handful of key advisors escaped by ship and established a government in exile in [[Litudinem]].
[[File:Hyangsan Great War.jpg|thumb|Hyangsan in 1965; the critical industrial city was heavily bombed, first by advancing Coalition forces and then by retreating Daryan ones]]
Lagarde was unable to accomplish many of his broader goals as in February 1963, seeking access to a foothold to attack Laeral and Libertas Omnium Maximus and at the urging of Slokasian dictator [[Juan Costa]], [[Darya|Daryan]] forces launched an assault on Haesan, unexpectedly and dramatically bringing the nation into the [[Great War]].  The next 11 months would see Pact troops advance through the nation, while Laeral, under the leadership of [[René Gramont|Rene Gramont]], occupied land in Soeyan Province to "shore up defenses" while Maximusian forces protected their ports by fortifying the Sarene Islands.  Ultimately, on January 11, 1964, Daryan forces would capture Suyang, declaring all of Haesan Daryan territory, as Lagarde and a handful of key advisors escaped by ship and established a government in exile in [[Litudinem]].


The nearly 4 year long Reclamation of Haesan was the bloodiest campaign of the Great War, as Shivnath Nishad authorized a scorched earth campaign, often destroying significant portions of cities and towns as they were about to be captured by Coalition forces.  Aerial bombing raids were used by both sides in the protracted Southern Coast campaign which claimed many civilian lives in densely populated cities.  As Darya was forced back to the eastern coast of Haesan, Nishad further authorized the shipment of hundreds of thousands of often untrained Daryan soldiers to the front lines, nearly all of whom perished in the fierce, unpredictable combat, leading the Haesanite front to be nicknamed "Nishad's Graveyard".  It is estimated nearly 15 million died in Haesan from 1963 to 1967, including over 2 million Daryan soldiers and nearly another million Pact soldiers, over 750,000 Coalition troops, and over 10 million Haesanites, the vast majority of which were civilian casualties.  Nearly every urban area was turned to rubble, and as historian Kwak Jun-yeong wrote, "the mightiest of cities became ghost towns".  Fighting in Haesan ended in November 1967, 3 months after the fall of Kurwai and the formalized end of the war.
The nearly 4 year long Reclamation of Haesan was the bloodiest campaign of the Great War, as Shivnath Nishad authorized a scorched earth campaign, often destroying significant portions of cities and towns as they were about to be captured by Coalition forces.  Aerial bombing raids were used by both sides in the protracted Southern Coast campaign which claimed many civilian lives in densely populated cities.  As Darya was forced back to the eastern coast of Haesan, Nishad further authorized the shipment of hundreds of thousands of often untrained Daryan soldiers to the front lines, nearly all of whom perished in the fierce, unpredictable combat, leading the Haesanite front to be nicknamed "Nishad's Graveyard".  It is estimated nearly 15 million died in Haesan from 1963 to 1967, including over 2 million Daryan soldiers and nearly another million Pact soldiers, over 750,000 Coalition troops, and over 10 million Haesanites, the vast majority of which were civilian casualties.  Nearly every urban area was turned to rubble, and as historian Kwak Jun-yeong wrote, "the mightiest of cities became ghost towns".  Fighting in Haesan ended in November 1967, 3 months after the fall of Kurwai and the formalized end of the war.
 
[[File:Inter-province highway system.jpg|thumb|The Maximusian provisional government focused on infrastructure development, like constructing the backbone of the inter-province highway system]]
On New Year's Eve 1967, [[President of Libertas Omnium Maximus|Maximusian President]] [[Oliver Milton]] and [[President of Laeral|Laeralian President]] Georges Auriol signed the Auvergne Accords, which placed Haesan under Maximusian administration until the nation was "self-sufficient" and controversially granted Laeral administrative control of the Littoral Marches.  With no Haesanite representation at the meeting, the [[Government of Haesan]] maintains to this day that the Auvergne Accords were illegitimate and illegal.  Map making errors at the meeting led the Maximusian administered territory to exclude the province of Gwansong and Jakja Island, which subsequently became incorporated by [[Lao Sansong]] and the Slokais Islands, respectively.  On August 11, 1968, the Sarene Islands declared independence from Haesan, becoming the [[Sarena|Republic of Sarena]].  Over the course of a year, the controlled territory of Haesan had shrunk by a quarter of its pre-war size.
On New Year's Eve 1967, [[President of Libertas Omnium Maximus|Maximusian President]] [[Oliver Milton]] and [[President of Laeral|Laeralian President]] Georges Auriol signed the Auvergne Accords, which placed Haesan under Maximusian administration until the nation was "self-sufficient" and controversially granted Laeral administrative control of the Littoral Marches.  With no Haesanite representation at the meeting, the [[Government of Haesan]] maintains to this day that the Auvergne Accords were illegitimate and illegal.  Map making errors at the meeting led the Maximusian administered territory to exclude the provinces of Gwansong and Jakja Island, which subsequently became incorporated by [[Lao Sansong]] and the Slokais Islands, respectively.  On August 11, 1968, the Sarene Islands declared independence from Haesan, becoming the [[Sarena|Republic of Sarena]].  Over the course of a year, the controlled territory of Haesan had shrunk by a quarter of its pre-war size.


The Maximusian Provisional Government of Haesan primarily focused on restoring infrastructure and maintaining food security for Haesanites.  With over half of Haesanites homeless, constructing shelters and restoring basic economic functionality was a major challenge for the provisional government; Haesan was in the bottom quintile of GDP globally in 1970.  Many Haesanites decided to emigrate from the nation in the wake of the Great War, and it is estimated that the Haesanite diaspora now numbers at 20 million across the IDU.  After significant progress had been made, in 1972 the Maximusians, wary of the costs of maintaining the nation, handed control to a trusted face in Henri Lagarde, who had lived in Litudinem since 1964 and was personal friends with many key Maximusian decision makers.
The Maximusian Provisional Government of Haesan primarily focused on restoring infrastructure and maintaining food security for Haesanites.  With over half of Haesanites homeless, constructing shelters and restoring basic economic functionality was a major challenge for the provisional government; Haesan was in the bottom quintile of GDP globally in 1970.  Many Haesanites decided to emigrate from the nation in the wake of the Great War, and it is estimated that the Haesanite diaspora now numbers at 20 million across the IDU.  After significant progress had been made, in 1972 the Maximusians, wary of the costs of maintaining the nation, handed control to a trusted face in Henri Lagarde, who had lived in Litudinem since 1964 and was personal friends with many key Maximusian decision makers.


=== Second Free Republic ===
=== Second Free Republic ===
Upon his reinstatement, Lagarde set about enacting his vision of futurism, funding high tech projects and scientific advancement initiatives across the nation.  Lagarde funneled millions of Maximusian dollars into attracting top scientists and engineers from around the IDU to accomplish his vision of the trinity of progress, "Sky, Space, and Atom", and he set the foundation for much of Haesan's modern technological backbone.  The nation's first nuclear power plant opened in 1974, a multi-million dollar renovation of Suyang Nelson International Airport completed in 1976, the Haesanite Space Agency was founded in 1977, and construction of the [[Suyang Metropolitan Subway|Suyang Metro]] began in 1978.  Lagarde deeply feared the Haeanization movement, and continued the authoritarian standard of using police and government troops to suppress protests, and his singular focus on scientific advancement left other sectors of the economy in shambles.  With the economy on verge of a crisis and with little popular support to save him, in 1980 Lagarde was assassinated by his defense minister Kim Ji-hun, who seized power nearly bloodlessly in the "Immaculate Coup".
[[File:Nuclear Plants Boeri.jpg|thumb|Lagarde funded the construction of dozens of nuclear power plants across Haesan, including this one in Boeri Province|left]]
Upon his reinstatement, Lagarde set about enacting his vision of futurism, funding high tech projects and scientific advancement initiatives across the nation.  Lagarde funneled millions of Maximusian dollars into attracting top scientists and engineers from around the IDU to accomplish his vision of the trinity of progress—"Sky, Space, and Atom"—and he set the foundation for much of Haesan's modern technological backbone.  The nation's first nuclear power plant opened in 1974, a multi-million dollar renovation of Suyang Nelson International Airport completed in 1976, the Haesanite Space Agency was founded in 1977, and construction of the [[Suyang Metropolitan Subway|Suyang Metro]] began in 1978.  Lagarde deeply feared the Haeanization movement and continued the authoritarian standard of using police and government troops to suppress protests, and his singular focus on scientific advancement left other sectors of the economy in shambles.  With the economy on verge of a crisis and with little popular support to save him, in 1980 Lagarde was assassinated on the orders of his defense minister Kim Ji-hun, who seized power nearly bloodlessly in the "Immaculate Coup".


As Haesan's first{{Efn|And to this date, only}} Haemi dictator, Kim was under extraordinary pressure from the pro-democratic Haeanization movement, who urged him to respect his heritage and elevate Haean language and culture to an equal status.  However, Kim saw the movement as a legitimate threat to his regime, which only existed on the basis of military support, and on October 12, 1983, when hundreds of thousands took to the streets in Suyang to protest the persistent inequality, Kim ordered government troops to arrest the crowd, leading tens of thousands to be arrested as hundreds died in the ensuing scuffle.  This action caused foreign leaders like Paul Evrard of Laeral and Howard Xiang of Slokais to threaten intervention unless dramatic change occurred.  On Christmas Day in 1984, Kim announced his plans to peacefully transition power and announced the creation of a constitutional convention to create a democratic Second Commonwealth of Haesan.
As Haesan's first{{Efn|And to this date, only}} Haemi dictator, Kim was under extraordinary pressure from the pro-democratic Haeanization movement, who urged him to respect his heritage and elevate Haean language and culture to an equal status.  However, Kim saw the movement as a legitimate threat to his regime, which only existed on the basis of military support, and on October 12, 1983, when nearly 200,000 people took to the streets in Suyang in the ''Siwol Undong'' to protest the persistent inequality, Kim ordered government troops to arrest the crowd, leading tens of thousands to be arrested as hundreds died in the ensuing scuffle.  This action caused foreign leaders like Paul Evrard of Laeral and Howard Xiang of Slokais to threaten intervention unless dramatic change occurred.  On Christmas Day in 1984, Kim announced his plans to peacefully transition power and the creation of a constitutional convention to create a democratic Second Commonwealth of Haesan.


=== Second Commonwealth ===
=== Second Commonwealth ===
The election of 1985 was contentious as [[Conservative Party (Haesan)|Conservative]] [[Pak Ye-ju]], seen as a puppet of the old dictatorial regime, faced off against the reformer Lee Min-seong who promised sweeping Haeanization reforms and a bill of rights preserving equality.  Pak won by 30,000 votes in an election with over 30 million voters, and many believe that the military and those who benefitted from the old regime illegally enabled Pak to prevail.  Pak then proceeded to stun the nation as she announced the Seollal Reforms, exposing blatant corruption throughout her own party and enabling the Ministry of Justice to aggressively prosecute many officials from the Kim and Lagarde regimes.  Pak also promoted innovation, reforming the educational system to allow top universities to be competitive and creating a robust system of intellectual property legislation.  A major foreign policy success would solidify the Pak administration when she successfully negotiated with [[President of Slokais|Slokasian President]] Jamie Ocosta to return the island of Jakja in exchange for new maritime boundaries in 1987.  This period also saw the dawn of the Conservationist movement which was a strong proponent of clean air and water legislation along with historical preservation initiatives.
[[File:Jakja Hot Springs.webp|thumb|Jakja was returned to Haesan in 1987 at the Junyeol Accords]]
 
The election of 1985 was contentious as [[Conservative Party (Haesan)|Conservative]] [[Pak Ye-ju]], seen as a puppet of the old dictatorial regime, faced off against the reformer Lee Min-seong who promised sweeping Haeanization reforms and a bill of rights preserving equality.  Pak won by 30,000 votes in an election with over 30 million voters, and many historians believe that the military and those who benefitted from the old regime illegally enabled Pak to prevail.  Pak then proceeded to stun the nation as she announced the Seollal Reforms, exposing blatant corruption throughout her own party and enabling the Ministry of Justice to aggressively prosecute many officials from the Kim and Lagarde regimes.  Pak also promoted innovation, reforming the educational system to allow top universities to be competitive and creating a robust system of intellectual property legislation.  A major foreign policy success would solidify support for the Pak administration when she successfully negotiated with [[President of Slokais|Slokasian President]] Jamie Ocosta to return the island of Jakja in exchange for new maritime boundaries in 1987.  This period also saw the dawn of the Conservationist movement which was a strong proponent of clean air and water legislation along with historical preservation initiatives.
Pak retired after one term in office and was replaced by another Conservative, Henry Bishop, who assuaged concerns about his Opthelian identity by promising Haeanization reforms. In 1991, he kept his word and passed the Haean Language Administration Act, elevating Haean to an official language, mandating its teaching in schools, and providing significant funding to Haean cultural sites and artistic pursuits.  Bishop is also known for the Block Administration System, which delineated neighborhoods within burgeoning cities to act as a social safety net, to help ensure all citizens were integrated into society.  In 1991, after a debt crisis, the Republic of Sarena was reintegrated into Haesan and given some autonomy and debt relief in exchange for reunification.  Bishop was also instrumental in founding the [[International Monetary and Trade Organization]] in 1993.  Bishop died of a heart attack in 1997, and he was replaced by Kim Ju-hyeon who was known for his strict regulation of the media, but his authoritarian tendencies were quickly reversed when Liberal Democrat Maurice Lenoir was elected and greatly loosened restrictions on media, including foreign media.  However, both he and his Conservative successor Marcel Bellanger were both weak economic managers and an unregulated and emboldened finance industry ultimately led to the Monetary Crisis of 2004.


Economics professor Choi Da-yeon of the ascendant [[Free Democrats (Haesan)|Free Democratic Party]] won the 2005 general election in a shocking result, and she would go on to revamp the nation's growing but unstable economy.  With incentives for manufacturing and reduced labor laws, Haesan became a hotspot for heavy industry due to high-skilled, low-cost labor force.  Choi also established Special Economic Zones, to reduce costs for foreign investment in major Haesanite port cities.  Choi also was a proponent of maintaining free trade relationships with the greatest number of countries possible, and initiated Maehwa Diplomacy, or amelioration with Laeral.  After 16 years of governing, in 2021, Choi was revealed to have been accepting bribes from the [[Seollim Group]], was impeached and subsequently arrested.  The Seollim Bribery Scandal started a tumultuous period which saw populist Jan van Deventer win election in 2022, who instituted monetary support for farmers and reduced the ease of foreign investment in the nation, followed in quick succession by [[Moderate Party (Haesan)|Moderate]] Sabrina Hwang.  Hwang's administration has been notable for its conservation efforts, navigating tense relationships between labor and industry, and attempting to raise the profile of Haesan on a world stage by joining the [[World Assembly]], [[LIDUN]], [[Global Development Investment Bank|GDIB]], and bidding to host the 2025 Summer Olympic Games.
Pak retired after one term in office and was replaced by another Conservative, Henry Bishop, who assuaged concerns about his Opthelian identity by promising Haeanization reforms. In 1991, he kept his word and passed the Haean Language Administration Act, elevating Haean to an official language, mandating its teaching in schools, and providing significant funding to Haean cultural sites and artistic pursuits.  Bishop is also known for the Block Administration System, which delineated neighborhoods within Haesan's densely populated cities to act as social safety nets to help ensure all citizens were integrated into society.  In 1991, after a debt crisis, the Republic of Sarena was reintegrated into Haesan and given some autonomy and monetary relief in exchange for reunification.  Bishop was also instrumental in founding the [[International Monetary and Trade Organization]] in 1993.  Bishop died of a heart attack in 1997, and he was replaced by Kim Ju-hyeon who was known for his strict regulation of the media, but his authoritarian tendencies were quickly reversed when Liberal Democrat Maurice Lenoir was elected in 2000 and greatly loosened restrictions on media, including the consumption of foreign media.  However, both he and his Conservative successor Marcel Bellanger were both weak economic managers and an unregulated and emboldened finance industry ultimately caused the Monetary Crisis of 2004.
[[File:Monetary Crisis of 2004.webp|thumb|The Monetary Crisis of 2004 led to the election of Choi Da-yeon and sweeping economic reforms]]
Economics professor Choi Da-yeon of the ascendant [[Free Democrats (Haesan)|Free Democratic Party]] won the 2005 general election in a shocking result, and she would go on to revamp the nation's growing but unstable economy.  With incentives for manufacturing and reduced labor laws, Haesan became a hotspot for heavy industry due to its high-skilled, low-cost labor force.  Choi also established Special Economic Zones to reduce costs for foreign investment in major Haesanite port cities.  Choi also was a proponent of maintaining free trade relationships with the greatest number of nations possible, and initiated Maehwa Diplomacy, or amelioration with Laeral.  After 16 years as Prime Minister, in 2021 Choi was revealed to have been accepting kickbacks from the [[Seollim Group]], was removed from office, and was subsequently arrested.  The Seollim Bribery Scandal started a tumultuous period which saw populist Jan van Deventer win election in 2022, who during his brief term instituted monetary support for farmers and reduced the ease of foreign investment in the nation, followed in quick succession by [[Moderate Party (Haesan)|Moderate]] Sabrina Hwang.  Hwang's administration has been notable for its conservation efforts, navigating tense relationships between labor and industry, and attempting to raise the profile of Haesan on a world stage by joining the [[World Assembly]], [[LIDUN]], [[Global Development Investment Bank|GDIB]], and bidding to host the 2025 Summer Olympic Games.


==Geography==
==Geography==
[[File:Jinseol Crag.jpg|thumb|Jinseolsan in the Maehwa Mountains is one of Haesan's most iconic natural landmarks]]
Haesan is primarily situated on the Haean Peninsula, which extends {{convert|958|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} from Lake Soeyan to Sokhae, abutting the Slokais Straits.  It covers an administrative area of {{convert|373309|km2|mi2|0|abbr=on}}.  Its western portions are highly mountainous, with the Soe Mountains cutting through much of the western provinces, notably much of the eastern parts of the Littoral Marches.  The nation's highest point is Jisunsan (Mt. Jisun) in Seocheon Province, with a peak {{convert|3182|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} above sea level.  A spur of the Soe Mountains, the Maehwa Mountains, runs from west to east across the central portions of Haesan, separating Lake Maehwa from Lake Seong (Lac des Étoiles).  Foothills roll through the eastern plains, separating the Albarine watershed from the Promethean watershed.
Haesan is primarily situated on the Haean Peninsula, which extends {{convert|958|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} from Lake Soeyan to Sokhae, abutting the Slokais Straits.  It covers an administrative area of {{convert|373309|km2|mi2|0|abbr=on}}.  Its western portions are highly mountainous, with the Soe Mountains cutting through much of the western provinces, notably much of the eastern parts of the Littoral Marches.  The nation's highest point is Jisunsan (Mt. Jisun) in Seocheon Province, with a peak {{convert|3182|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} above sea level.  A spur of the Soe Mountains, the Maehwa Mountains, runs from west to east across the central portions of Haesan, separating Lake Maehwa from Lake Seong (Lac des Étoiles).  Foothills roll through the eastern plains, separating the Albarine watershed from the Promethean watershed.


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=== Climate ===
=== Climate ===
Haesan has a varied climate, ranging from a temperate, seasonal climate in the north of the nation to a warm, monsoonal, Albarine climate in the south and Sarene Islands.  The wet season across most of Haesan ranges from late September to early February, with most areas of the country experiencing warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters.  While the south is usually insulated from snowfall or extreme cold, the southwest is sometimes subject to the Shimo effect, where masses of cold air get trapped against the eastern face of the Shimo Mountains in [[Misumi]], and as strong winds from the [[Northern Ocean]] blast the front towards the south temperatures are dropped sometimes as much as 20°C below the usual winter temperature.  As a result of this effect, the Northlands and Haesan's Gulf Coast often experience days far below freezing during the wintertime and can receive up to a foot of snow with exceptionally powerful storm systems.  IHaesan's southeast and Albarine islands typically never receive snowfall, and days below freezing are rare.
[[File:Suyang snowy day.webp|left|thumb|314x314px|Yeongsugung in Suyang after the city received a "Shimo Blast"]]
Haesan has a varied climate, ranging from a temperate, seasonal climate in the north of the nation to a warm, monsoonal, Albarine climate in the south and Sarene Islands.  The wet season across most of Haesan ranges from late September to early February, with most areas of the country experiencing warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters.  While the south is usually insulated from snowfall or extreme cold, the southwest is sometimes subject to the Shimo effect, where masses of cold air get trapped against the eastern face of the Shimo Mountains in [[Misumi]], and strong winds from the [[Northern Ocean]] blast the front towards the south and can are drop temperatures sometimes as much as 20°C below usual.  As a result of this effect, the Northlands and Haesan's Gulf Coast often experience days far below freezing during the wintertime and can receive up to a foot of snow with exceptionally powerful storm systems.  Haesan's southeast and Albarine islands typically never receive snowfall, and days below freezing are rare.


Haesan is sometimes subject to typhoons from the [[Tenebric Ocean]], but most are severely weakened by the Slokasian island chain before reaching Haesan, and typically arrive as heavy rain storms called ''jangma''.  Haesan's western portion lies on the Cartwright fault line, separating the Promethean oceanic plate from the Hesperidan continental plate, and as such, many southwestern cities like [[Sinju]] maintain a moderate earthquake risk, and significant architectural planning efforts have been made to ensure the city's buildings are earthquake proofed.  In the summers, excessive heat can often turn fatal in urban areas, and cities like Suyang have invested heavily to increase heat relief infrastructure in recent years.
Haesan is sometimes subject to typhoons from the [[Tenebric Ocean]], but most are severely weakened by the Slokasian island chain before reaching Haesan and typically arrive as heavy rain storms called ''jangma''.  Haesan's western portion lies on the Cartwright fault line, separating the Promethean oceanic plate from the Hesperidan continental plate, and as such, many southwestern cities like [[Sinju]] maintain a moderate earthquake risk, and significant architectural planning efforts have been undertaken to ensure the city's buildings are earthquake proofed.  In the summers, excessive heat can turn fatal in urban areas, and cities like Suyang have invested heavily to increase heat relief infrastructure in recent years.


=== Environment ===
=== Environment ===
Haesan has a varied environment with a particularly unique collection of flora and fauna due to its climactic variation and great changes in altitude across the nation.  The north is known for its dense boreal forests and wide variety of orchards, particularly for the Geonju Pear, sought after for it's sweet licorice aftertaste.  The eastern plains are known for their wheat and barley fields which also host large populations of the Eastern Field Rabbit, known for its connotations with good luck.  Much of Haesan's southwestern coast has high concentrations of clay in its soil, while the southeast has sandy loam with agricultural potential and is known for its berry and citrus production.  There are concerns with greenhouse agriculture, much of the citrus orchards of the southeast are known for their cellophane wrapped greenhouses, and the farmland of Imyu and Yeongnam Provinces has acquired the nickname the "Vinyl Sea".  The central valleys are highly terraced for rice and tea production and is known for its many river carp and birds like the Blue River Cormorant.  Haesan also has great maritime biodiversity, with areas like the Gwiyun reef home to many unique types of fish due to its location at the junction of the Albarine and Promethean Seas.
[[File:Sea Turtle Namyu.jpg|left|thumb|310x310px|The reefs of southern Haesan are internationally protected as a sea turtle sanctuary]]
 
Haesan has a varied environment with a particularly unique collection of flora and fauna due to its climactic variation and great changes in altitude.  The north is known for its dense boreal forests and wide variety of orchards, particularly for the Geonju Pear, sought after for it's sweet licorice aftertaste.  The eastern plains are dominated by their wheat and barley fields which also host large populations of the Eastern Field Rabbit, recognizable for its connotations with good luck.  Much of Haesan's southwestern coast has high concentrations of clay in its soil, while the southeast has sandy loam with agricultural potential and is known for its berry and citrus production.  There are environmental concerns with greenhouse agriculture, since many of the citrus orchards and berry farms of the southeast utilize cellophane wrapped greenhouses, leading the farmland of Imyu and Yeongnam Provinces to acquire the nickname the "Vinyl Sea".  The central valleys are terraced for rice and tea production and are known for its many river carp and birds like the Blue River Cormorant.  Haesan also has great maritime biodiversity, with areas like the Gwiyun reef home to many unique types of fish due to its location at the junction of the Albarine and Promethean Seas.
Conservation has been a key component of Haesanite policy since the 1980s, and great lengths have gone to reclaim the nation's air and water.  Pollution and smog in cities like Suyang and Sinju is now less than 10% of its total in 1990.  Drainage to riverways like the Sugang and Eungang has been greatly controlled to clean their water and efforts have been made to clear them of heavy metals and pesticides.  Haesan has designated 18 national parks, and additionally 14 national forests, most of which have been created since 2000.  Haesan is constantly criticized as a laggard on climate change issues, and the nation had repeatedly declined to attend climate conferences during the Choi administration through much of the early 2000s.  While much of the nation's power comes from nuclear power and hydroelectric, coal and natural gas are still often used in industrial production and for heating homes.  The nation is considered a moderate polluter, but has not signed on to any major climate treaty.
[[File:Vinyl Sea.jpg|thumb|242x242px|The "Vinyl Sea", berry greenhouses in Yeongnam Province]]
Conservation has been a key component of Haesanite policy since the 1980s, and the nation has gone to great lengths to reclaim the nation's air and water.  Pollution and smog in cities like Suyang and Sinju is now less than 10% of its total in 1990.  Drainage to riverways like the Sugang and Eungang has been significantly controlled to clean their water as efforts have been made to clear them of heavy metals and pesticides.  Haesan has designated 18 national parks, and additionally 14 national forests, most of which have been created since 2000.  Haesan is constantly criticized as a laggard on climate change issues, and the nation repeatedly declined to attend climate conferences during the Choi administration.  While much of the nation's power comes from nuclear power and hydroelectric, coal and natural gas are still often used in industrial production and for heating homes.  The nation is considered a moderate polluter, but has not ratified any major climate treaty.


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
[[File:Shinju_apartments.jpg|thumb|253x253px|Typical Haesanite housing blocks along the Singang in [[Sinju]]]]
[[File:Shinju_apartments.jpg|thumb|253x253px|Typical Haesanite housing blocks along the Singang in [[Sinju]]]]
Haesan has a population of 131 million people. Haesan is a multiethnic nation, with no singular ethnic group comprising a majority of the population. Major ethnic groups present in Haesan include the native, traditionally Haean-speaking ''Haemi'' people, along with large coalitions of foreign settlers, such as the Opthelian ''yeongmin'' in the Southern Coast, the ''[[Arrivée]]'' in the Northlands and Midwest, and the mercantile, largely Dutch-speaking ''gyulmin.'' The open borders system established by Lagarde has led to the establishment of numerous small ethnic enclaves within various Haesanite cities. Intermarriage is common, and less than half of Haesanites in the 18-25 age cohort identify as the member of only one ethnic group.
Haesan has a population of 131 million people. Major ethnic groups present in Haesan include the native, traditionally Haean-speaking ''Haemi'' people, along with large coalitions of foreign settlers, such as the Opthelian ''yeongmin'' in the Southern Coast, the ''[[Arrivée]]'' in the Northlands and Midwest, and the mercantile, largely Dutch-speaking ''gyulmin.'' The open borders system established by Lagarde has led to the establishment of numerous small ethnic enclaves within various Haesanite cities. Intermarriage is increasingly common, and over a quarter of Haesanites in the 18-25 age cohort identify as the member of more than one ethnic group.


The fertility rate is 1.79, below the replacement rate, but Haesan's population continues to increase on aggregate due to high net migration. The average age in Haesan is 29.1 years. Technological and healthcare industry development in Haesan during the Choi administration has driven the average life expectancy up from 72.5 in 2000 to 80.1 in 2022. Rates of obesity are low at around 7%, while 23% of Haesanites are overweight. 71% of Haesanites live in an urban area, 7% live in a suburb, and 21% live in a small town or rural area.
The fertility rate is 1.79, below the replacement rate, but Haesan's population continues to increase on aggregate due to high net migration. The average age in Haesan is 31.1 years. Technological and healthcare industry development in Haesan during the Choi administration has driven the average life expectancy up from 72.5 in 2000 to 80.1 in 2022. Rates of obesity are low at around 7%, while 23% of Haesanites are overweight. 78% of Haesanites live in an urban area, 7% live in a suburb, and 14% live in a small town or rural area.


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=== Religion ===
=== Religion ===
{{See also|Celestialism}}Haesan is a moderately religious nation, albeit virtually all of its major institutions are secular.  Haesan has no official religion.  Haesan is the home to the origin point of the [[Celestialism|Celestial faith]], founded at Cheonsahae near Hanyeong.  As such, Celestialism remains the largest religion, with almost half of Haesanites a member of a Celestial congregation.  Because of the religion's unique structure, many elderly Haesanites tend to be more devout and involved with organizing their community's practices, while many Haesanite youth are functionally non-practicing.  As such, large southern cities like Suyang, Sinju, and Anmi generally feel highly secular, even if data indicate that over 70% of the population in those cities follows a religion.
{{See also|Celestialism}}
 
[[File:Cheonsahae Temple.jpg|left|thumb|259x259px|Cheonsahae Temple in Sinhan Province is a sacred site for Celestines]]
Christianity is the second largest religion in Haesan, with around a quarter of Haesanites identifying with a denomination.  The vast majority of Christians in Haesan are Catholic, and of those, nearly entirely [[Sanctarian Catholic Church|Sanctarian Catholic]].  Catholics in Haesan live predominantly in the north of the country, typically in areas with French colonial ties who leaned into their Arrivée heritage as a mechanism to resist Opthelian rule.  Protestants of denominations relating to Opthelian Christianity are still present, but have continued to dwindle as many have married into the Haemi families.  Major Christian holidays are recognized as official holidays along with Celestine ones.
Haesan is a moderately religious nation, albeit virtually all of its major institutions are secular.  Haesan has no official religion.  Haesan is the home to the origin point of the [[Celestialism|Celestial faith]], founded at Cheonsahae near Hanyeong.  As such, Celestialism remains the largest religion, with almost half of Haesanites a member of a Celestial congregation.  Because of the religion's unique structure, many elderly Haesanites tend to be more devout and involved with organizing their community's practices, while many Haesanite youth are functionally non-practicing.  As such, large southern cities like Suyang, Sinju, and Anmi generally feel highly secular, even if data indicate that over 70% of the population in those cities follows a religion.


Christianity is the second largest religion in Haesan, with around a quarter of Haesanites identifying with a denomination.  The majority of Christians in Haesan are Catholic, about equally split between [[Sanctarian Catholic Church|Sanctarian]] and Roman Catholicism.  Catholics in Haesan live predominantly in the north of the country, typically in areas with French colonial ties who leaned into their Arrivée heritage as a mechanism to resist Opthelian rule.  Protestant denominations relating to Opthelian Christianity are still present, but have continued to dwindle as many have married into the Haemi families.  Other branches of Protestantism like the [[Iustitia Protestant Church|Iustitian Protestan Church]] have gained followers in large urban areas during the last decade due to immigrant converts.  Major Christian holidays are recognized as official holidays along with Celestine ones.
[[File:Saint Clair Cathedral.jpeg|thumb|291x291px|Saint Clair Cathedral hosts the largest Opthelian Protestant congregation outside of Opthelia]]
There is a significant enclave of [[Minjian]] in Haesan, although their faith and community structure differs vastly from Minjian communities in High Fells or Laeral.  Throughout most of Haesan's history there has been [[Anti-Minjian sentiment|severe discrimination]] against Minjian in the country, and historically many chose to emigrate to High Fells along the so-called Road of Exiles.  After the unrecognized annexation of the Littoral Marches by Laeral, during the post-Great War period those who kept Minjian were targeted heavily by the Lagarde regime, and generally subject to vigilante violence due to accusations of collusion with the Laeralian regime.  As such, the practice of Neo-Minjianism, a version of Minjian which heavily leans on Celestial practices and rites, was nearly universally adopted by Minjian Haesanites in order to practice a version of their religion without drawing government suspicion.
There is a significant enclave of [[Minjian]] in Haesan, although their faith and community structure differs vastly from Minjian communities in High Fells or Laeral.  Throughout most of Haesan's history there has been [[Anti-Minjian sentiment|severe discrimination]] against Minjian in the country, and historically many chose to emigrate to High Fells along the so-called Road of Exiles.  After the unrecognized annexation of the Littoral Marches by Laeral, during the post-Great War period those who kept Minjian were targeted heavily by the Lagarde regime, and generally subject to vigilante violence due to accusations of collusion with the Laeralian regime.  As such, the practice of Neo-Minjianism, a version of Minjian which heavily leans on Celestial practices and rites, was nearly universally adopted by Minjian Haesanites in order to practice a version of their religion without drawing government suspicion.


Haesan, with its large immigrant population, is also home to notable populations of Muslims, Jews, [[Pharitaya#Religion|Sasna Thaya]], and practitioners of [[Arikata]].
Haesan, with its large immigrant population, is also home to notable populations of [[Pharitaya#Religion|Sasna Thaya]], practitioners of [[Arikata]], Muslims, and Jews, although many immigrants are implicitly pressured to convert to Celestialism or Christianity upon their arrival in the nation.


=== Language ===
=== Language ===
[[File:Calligraphy.webp|thumb|After a long struggle, Haean was restored as an official language in 1991]]
English has been Haesan's primary language in business and government administration since the conclusion of the War of Haesanite Succession in 1792. Haean has become more widely used in recent decades as a push to reclaim Haesanite national heritage has gained momentum. Haean is mandated to be taught in primary and secondary schools per the Haean Language Administration Act of 1991. French is still used conversationally in many parts in the northern regions of Haesan, and is an official language in seven provinces.  In the [[Southern Maritimes]], a latinized version of Haean known as Sarene is widely used as a conversational language and is a recognized regional language.
English has been Haesan's primary language in business and government administration since the conclusion of the War of Haesanite Succession in 1792. Haean has become more widely used in recent decades as a push to reclaim Haesanite national heritage has gained momentum. Haean is mandated to be taught in primary and secondary schools per the Haean Language Administration Act of 1991. French is still used conversationally in many parts in the northern regions of Haesan, and is an official language in seven provinces.  In the [[Southern Maritimes]], a latinized version of Haean known as Sarene is widely used as a conversational language and is a recognized regional language.


Haesanites younger than 30 know at least two languages, but about 73% know three or more. Parliament has taken efforts to make government documents accessible to the many immigrants in Haesan, and the Department of Linguistic Standards under the [[Home Office of Haesan|Home Department of Haesan]] requires all requisite documents to be readily available in English, Haean, French, and Sarene, as well as printable on-demand in at least 50 other languages.
Haesanites younger than 30 know at least two languages, but about 73% know three or more. The [[National Assembly (Haesan)|National Assembly]] has taken efforts to make government documents accessible to the many immigrants in Haesan, and the Department of Linguistic Standards under the [[Government of Haesan|Home Department of Haesan]] requires all requisite documents to be readily available in English, Haean, French, and Sarene, as well as printable on-demand in at least 50 other languages.


=== Education ===
=== Education ===
Education is historically prized in Haesan, as a focus of Lagardian futurism, Bishop's [[Community First Initiative|Community First]] governance, and Choi's modernization scheme. It is now expected in Haesanite society that the vast majority of youth will obtain some form of tertiary education. As the right to education is guaranteed in Haesan's constitution, all education in Haesan is publicly funded; private or religious options are outlawed.
[[File:Suseong College.jpg|left|thumb|Suseong College is Haesan's most prestigious liberal arts college]]
Education is historically prized in Haesan, as a focus of Lagardian futurism, Bishop's [[Community First Initiative|Community First]] governance, and Choi's modernization scheme. It is now expected in Haesanite society that the vast majority of youth will obtain some form of tertiary education. As the right to education is guaranteed in Haesan's 1985 constitution, all education in Haesan is publicly funded; private or religious options are outlawed.


Primary education in Haesan is usually administered as closely as possible with the Block Association System, and emphasizes community engagement and local hiring along with a pragmatic skills education centered around mathematics, reading fluency, and basic writing competencies. Primary education, usually called grammar schools, typically lasts from Year 0 (kindergarten) to Year 6. Secondary education is usually broken down into two schools, association schools lasting from Year 7 to Year 9, and preparatory schools lasting from Year 10 to Year 12. Association schools expand upon the skills education of grammar schools and screen the students based on skill aptitude and personality to sort them into the various preparatory schools. The prep school system in Haesan functions in tiers, college prep, general prep, services prep, and trade prep operating as the four branches of the system. College prep school is an intensive, challenging, skill-centered experience designed to prepare students for the exactingly difficult college entrance exams. General prep schools seek to provide students with knowledge of the broader job economy as well as continuing the traditional educational track to allow them to choose between college or a trade come graduation time. Services prep focuses on financial management, communication, and other soft skills to prepare students to get accreditation in any sector of Haesan's growing service economy. Trade prep works to provide hands-on mechanical experiences to secondary schoolers, often partnering with local factories and artisans.
Primary education in Haesan is usually administered as closely as possible with the Block Association System, and emphasizes community engagement and local hiring along with a pragmatic skills education centered around mathematics, reading fluency, and basic writing competencies. Primary education, usually called grammar school, typically lasts from Year 0 (kindergarten) to Year 6. Secondary education is usually broken down into two schools, association schools lasting from Year 7 to Year 9, and preparatory schools lasting from Year 10 to Year 12. Association schools expand upon the skills education of grammar schools and screen the students based on skill aptitude and personality to sort them into the various preparatory schools. The prep school system in Haesan functions in tiers, with college prep, general prep, services prep, and trade prep operating as the four branches of the system. College prep school is an intensive, challenging, skill-centered experience designed to prepare students for the exactingly difficult college entrance exams. General prep schools seek to provide students with knowledge of the broader job economy as well as continuing the traditional educational track to allow them to choose between college or a trade come graduation time. Services prep focuses on financial management, communication, and other soft skills to prepare students to get accreditation in any sector of Haesan's growing service economy. Trade prep works to provide hands-on mechanical experiences to secondary schoolers, often partnering with local factories and artisans.
[[File:Suyang_National_Univ.jpg|right|thumb|262x262px|The school of Engineering and Applied Sciences at [[National Conference|Suyang University]]]]
[[File:Suyang_National_Univ.jpg|right|thumb|262x262px|The school of Engineering and Applied Sciences at [[National Conference|Suyang University]]]]
Those in college prep or general prep schools have the option to take the General Skills Examination (GSE), a 10 hour long, twice-yearly examination that covers reading and writing in both English and Haean, mathematics, core science concepts, the history of Haesan and the IDU, economics, and fundamental Haesanite civics concepts. The GSE score is the only relevant factor in determining college admissions in Haesan. About 31% of Haesanite youth will attend one of the many universities, liberal arts colleges, and technology schools through the GSE, while about 60%, including most of those in services and trade prep schools, will gain some other form of tertiary accreditation, largely in one or two year certificate programs.
Those in college prep or general prep schools have the option to take the General Skills Examination (GSE), a 10 hour long, twice-yearly examination that covers reading and writing in both English and Haean, mathematics, core science concepts, the history of Haesan and the IDU, economics, and fundamental Haesanite civics concepts. The GSE score is the only relevant factor in determining college admissions in Haesan, with the exception of certain exemptions for athletics and the arts. About 31% of Haesanite youth will attend one of the many universities, liberal arts colleges, and technology schools through the GSE, while about 60%, including most of those in services and trade prep schools, will gain some other form of tertiary accreditation, largely in one or two year certificate programs.


In part due to the rigor of the application process, Haesan's top universities are very well regarded on an international stage. Most notable are [[National Conference|Suyang University]] and [[National Conference|Haesan University]], top 10 international universities{{Efn|According to the [[Democratic Times News Service]] 2024 IDU University Rankings}} which typically only accepts applicants who scored in the 99th percentile of the GSE. Most universities are organized into conferences for the ease of sharing research, allowing professors an opportunity of advancement, and facilitating undergraduate transfers. The "Core Four" conferences are the [[Northland Conference]], the [[Southern Coast Conference]] (SCC), the [[Central Valley Conference]] (CVC), and the [[Metropolitan Conference]]. Most of Haesan's most prestigious universities are in the [[National Conference]], where only academic criteria like GPA and GSE score can be used for accepting domestic applicants. Many of Haesan's most prestigious universities use a distinct [[Semi-private universities|semi-private]] structure which allows them to be nominally public while maintaining their own private endowments. In addition to being the core corridors for sharing academic resources in Haesan, conferences also form the backbone for the college athletics competitions that have achieved extraordinary popularity in Haesan, especially in baseball and basketball.
In part due to the rigor of the application process, Haesan's top universities are very well regarded on an international stage. Most notable are [[National Conference|Suyang University]] and [[National Conference|Haesan University]], top 10 international universities{{Efn|According to the [[Democratic Times News Service]] 2024 IDU University Rankings}} which typically only accept applicants who scored in the 99th percentile of the GSE. Most universities are organized into conferences for the ease of sharing research, allowing professors an opportunity of advancement, and facilitating undergraduate transfers. The "Core Four" conferences are the [[Northland Conference]], the [[Southern Coast Conference]] (SCC), the [[Central Valley Conference]] (CVC), and the [[Metropolitan Conference]]. Most of Haesan's most prestigious universities are in the [[National Conference]], where only academic criteria like GPA and GSE score can be used for accepting domestic applicants. Many of Haesan's most prestigious universities use a distinct [[Semi-private universities|semi-private]] structure which allows them to be nominally public while maintaining their own private endowments. In addition to being the core corridors for sharing academic resources in Haesan, conferences also form the backbone for the college athletics competitions that have achieved extraordinary popularity in Haesan, especially in baseball and basketball.


==Government & Politics==
==Government & Politics==
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| style="text-align:center;" |[[Sabrina Hwang]]<br /><small>[[Prime Minister of Haesan|Prime Minister]]</small>
| style="text-align:center;" |[[Sabrina Hwang]]<br /><small>[[Prime Minister of Haesan|Prime Minister]]</small>
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Haesan's government structure as a constitutional republic is determined by the 1985 Constitution of the Second Commonwealth of Haesan. Haesan has a system of checks and balances with three branches, an executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive and legislative branches mainly carry out functions on a national level, while the judicial branch also operates at a local level. While Haesan remains formally a unitary state, devolution of power to the nation's 24 [[Provinces of Haesan|provincial authorities]] exists in terms of judicial authorities and branches of executive agencies operating from provincial capitals, with the exception of the [[Southern Maritimes]], granted greater autonomy due to its prior independence as the [[Sarena|Republic of Sarena]]. Officials on a local level are semi-autonomous and are directly elected.
Haesan's government structure as a constitutional republic is determined by the 1985 Constitution of the Second Commonwealth of Haesan. Haesan has a system of checks and balances with three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive and legislative branches mainly carry out functions on a national level, while the judicial branch also operates at a local and province-wide level. While Haesan remains formally a unitary state, devolution of power to the nation's 24 [[Provinces of Haesan|provincial authorities]] exists through judicial authorities and branches of executive agencies operating from provincial capitals.  The [[Southern Maritimes]] is officially an autonomous province, and operates an independent legislature with some degree of independence from the federal system. Officials on a local level are semi-autonomous and are directly elected.
 
Legislative affairs are managed by the popular-elected National Assembly, which is comprised of an upper [[Chamber of the Commonwealth]] and a lower [[Chamber of Deputies]]. The leader of the governing coalition in the Chamber of the Commonwealth is named as the [[Prime Minister of Haesan]], and is the leader of the legislative branch and head of government. The [[President of Haesan]] is elected directly by the populace and sits for a maximum of one six-year term. The president is the head of state for Haesan, managing foreign policy for the nation and nominating a cabinet to manage the executive agencies of Haesan and ensure that the laws passed by the legislative branch are being well executed. The president also nominates judges, which along with the members of the cabinet must be confirmed by a majority of the Chamber of the Commonwealth. The [[High Court (Haesan)|High Court]] of Haesan is the constitutionally supreme judicial body. It consists of 11 justices nominated by the president, who sit for a maximum of 24 years. While provincial and local courts have the ability to make rulings on constitutional interpretation, the rulings of the High Court are the ultimate authority. Haesan's constitution is light on matters of specific jurisprudence and instead judges often rely upon centuries of common law to make rulings.[[File:Hwagang.jpg|thumb|280x280px|The Dalseongjeon is the residence of the President of Haesan and is used as a metonym for the executive branch]]Haesan's politics are often contentious due to the party's coalition-based parliamentary system. While long stretches of single-party control of the National Assembly were common, especially in the 1980s and 1990s by the Conservative Party and in the 2010s by the Free Democrats, in recent years, the political scene has become much more competitive. Corruption is a major problem in Haesanite politics with many prominent politicians having been arrested on corruption charges, most notably long-time Prime Minister [[Choi Da-yeon]] and former President [[Kim Seung-jin]]. Due to the nation's fairly recent history of military rule, a lack of civilian control of the military is another concern of international observers, since four of the last five Ministers of Defence have been former military officers.
Legislative affairs are managed by the popular-elected National Assembly, which is comprised of an upper [[Chamber of the Commonwealth]] and a lower [[Chamber of Deputies]]. The leader of the governing coalition in the Chamber of the Commonwealth is named as the Prime Minister of Haesan, and is the leader of the legislative branch and head of government. The President of Haesan is elected directly by the populace and sits for a maximum of one six-year term. The president is the head of state for Haesan and manages foreign policy for the nation, as well as nominating a cabinet to manage the executive agencies of Haesan and ensure that the laws passed by the legislative branch are being well executed. The president also nominates judges, which along with the members of the cabinet must be confirmed by a majority of the Chamber of the Commonwealth. The [[High Court (Haesan)|High Court]] of Haesan is the constitutionally supreme judicial body. It consists of 11 justices nominated by the president, who sit for a maximum of 24 year terms. While provincial and local courts have the ability to make rulings on constitutional interpretation, the rulings of the High Court are the ultimate authority. Haesan's constitution is light on matters of judicial authority and instead judges often rely upon centuries of common law to make rulings.
 
Haesan's politics are often contentious due to the party's coalition-based parliamentary system. While long stretches of single-party control of the National Assembly were common, especially in the 1980s and 1990s by the Conservative Party and in the 2010s by the Free Democrats, in recent years the political scene has become much more competitive. Corruption is a major problem in Haesanite politics with many prominent politicians having been arrested on corruption charges, most notably long-time Prime Minister [[Choi Da-yeon]] and former President [[Kim Seung-jin]]. Due to the nation's fairly recent history of military rule, a lack of civilian control of the military is another concern of international observers, since four of the last five Ministers of Defence have been former military officers.


=== Foreign Relations ===
=== Foreign Relations ===
Haesan maintains relatively warm relations with most nations and as a result has one of the strongest passports in the IDU. Haesan has a unique system of open borders which allows all foreign nationals to live in Haesan for up to 24 months before either declaring that they intend to declare for Haesanite citizenship and renounce their home country's, or leave Haesan. The streamlined citizenship application and civics examinations at the end of the 24 month period combined with strong economic growth over the last three decades has led Haesan to have large numbers of immigrants. The especially large communities of diasporic [[Serriel|Serrielians]], [[Andhrapur|Andhrapuris]], and [[Lehvant|Lehvantians]] have lead to closer relations between Haesan and those nations over recent years. Haesan's government also manages an extensive network of international exchange programs for its students and workers.
Haesan maintains relatively warm relations with most nations and as a result has one of the strongest passports in the IDU. Haesan has a unique system of open borders which allows all foreign nationals to live in Haesan for up to 24 months before either declaring that they intend to declare for Haesanite citizenship and renounce their home country's, or leave Haesan. The streamlined citizenship application and civics examinations at the end of the 24 month period combined with strong economic growth over the last three decades has led Haesan to have large numbers of immigrants. The especially large communities of diasporic [[Serriel|Serrielians]], [[Andhrapur|Andhrapuris]], and [[Lehvant|Lehvantians]] have lead to closer relations between Haesan and those nations over recent years. Haesan's government also manages an extensive network of international exchange programs for its students and workers.


Haesan only recently joined major international organizations like the [[League of IDU Nations]] (LIDUN), of which it became a member in 2023. It currently holds a seat on the LIDUN Security Council. The nation is a member of the [[World Assembly]], which it also joined in 2023. In addition to being a member of the [[Global Development Investment Bank]], Haesan has signed a number of highly profitable free trade agreements, most notably with [[Libertas Omnium Maximus]], [[Eiria]], and the Slokais Islands. Haesan, as a former Opthelian colony, is a member of the [[Opthelian Commonwealth]].  Suyang also hosts the multiple organs of the [[International Monetary and Trade Organization]], which helps to promote free trade and provides monetary assistance and debt restructuring for nations in times of crisis.
Haesan only recently joined major international organizations like the [[League of IDU Nations]] (LIDUN), of which it became a member in 2023. It currently holds a seat on the LIDUN Security Council. The nation is a member of the [[World Assembly]], which it also joined in 2023. In addition to being a member of the [[Global Development Investment Bank]], Haesan has signed a number of highly profitable free trade agreements, most notably with [[Libertas Omnium Maximus]], [[Eiria]], and the Slokais Islands. Haesan, as a former Opthelian colony, is a member of the [[Opthelian Commonwealth]].  Suyang also hosts the multiple organs of the [[International Monetary and Trade Organization]], which promotes free trade and provides monetary assistance and debt restructuring for member nations in times of crisis.
[[File:Intelligence Satellite.webp|thumb|292x292px|A rendering of an intelligence satellite; it is believed that Haesan's network of "spy satellites" has been a valuable asset in maintaining strong defense ties with allied nations]]


=== Military ===
=== Military ===
In terms of numbers, Haesan maintains one of the largest militaries in the IDU, at around 2.1 million enlisted. This is due in large part to Haesan's policy of universal mandatory minimum service, where all Haesanite citizens must serve 12 months in the military or another approved form of service before their 24th birthday. The vast majority of those drafted serve in non-combat roles, but all draftees must undergo basic military training. Haesan's military is divided into six branches, the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, Homeland Guard, and Space Force. Continued tensions with Laeral and Lao Sansong have led Haesan to spend 3.2% of its GDP on military spending. Haesan is a producer of high tech arms, especially renowned for its aircraft and missile defense systems. Haesan is also a leader in the global intelligence community with a particularly advanced satellite network, and maintains extensive intelligence sharing agreements with global powers like [[Sanctaria]]. Haesan maintains bases in both High Fells and [[Aredoa]], while Libertas Omnium Maximus runs a base in [[Yeongnam Province]].
In terms of numbers, Haesan maintains one of the largest militaries in the IDU, at around 1.9 million enlisted. This is due in large part to Haesan's policy of universal mandatory minimum service, where all Haesanite citizens must serve 12 months in the military or another approved form of service before their 24th birthday. The vast majority of those drafted serve in non-combat roles, but all draftees must undergo basic military training. Haesan's military is divided into six branches, the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Homeland Guard, Navy, and Space Force. Continued tensions with Laeral and Lao Sansong have led Haesan to spend 3.2% of its annual GDP on military spending. Haesan is a producer of high tech arms, especially renowned for its aircraft and missile defense systems. Haesan is also a leader in the global intelligence community with a particularly advanced satellite network, and maintains extensive intelligence sharing agreements with global powers like [[Sanctaria]]. Haesan maintains bases in both High Fells and [[Aredoa]], while Libertas Omnium Maximus runs a base in [[Yeongnam Province]].


==Economy==
==Economy==
Haesan's economy, rapidly becoming one of the largest and most advanced in the IDU, is diversified, but with a large concentration on heavy industry. Haesan's large port cities on the Albarine Sea and Promethean Sea make it ideal for [[List of exports of Haesan|exporting goods]], and most urban areas rely heavily on manufacturing jobs. Haesan is a highly-developed, upper middle income nation. Its currency is the [[Haesanite seol|seol]].
[[File:Seollim_HQ.jpg|left|thumb|205x205px|The Suyang headquarters of the Seollim Group, Haesan's largest corporation]]
[[File:Seollim_HQ.jpg|left|thumb|174x174px|The Suyang headquarters of the Seollim Group, Haesan's largest corporation]]
Haesan's economy, one of the fastest developing in the IDU, is diversified, but with a large concentration on heavy industry. Haesan's large port cities on the Albarine Sea and Promethean Sea make it ideal for [[List of exports of Haesan|exporting goods]], and most urban areas rely heavily on manufacturing jobs. Haesan is a highly-developed, upper middle income nation. Its currency is the [[Haesanite seol|seol]].
Conglomerates are common as Haesan has weak monopoly protections and relaxed labor laws compared to its economic peers. These large corporations, often comprised of subgroups in disparate industries, dominate the Haesanite corporate landscape. While historically leadership was hereditary, in recent decades CEOs and board members have been hired based on strictly meritocratic standards. Additionally, since the late 80s, many cities in the south of Haesan along the coast of the Albarine Sea and the [[Suyang Bay]] were designated as [[Special Economic Zones]] (SEZs) which allowed less restricted foreign investment, and various corporations from nations like Eiria, Xiomera, and Libertas Omnium Maximus house significant manufacturing operations in Haesan. The rapid growth of corporations and influx of foreign direct investment caused Haesan's GDP per capita to increase at one of the highest rates in the world throughout the last three decades.
[[File:Shipbuilding.jpg|alt=Shipbuilding|thumb|236x236px|Shipbuilding is a major industry in Haesan]]
The main manufacturing areas in Haesan are shipbuilding, aerospace, and chemicals, high-end industries in which Haesan has technical expertise. While historically relying on a complex international supply chains, increasingly, specialized parts and electronic components are produced domestically. Haesan is also a center for global textiles production, and while the majority of manufactures are mass-produced casual clothing and swimwear, Suyang is regarded as a global fashion hub and is home to several major designer brands. However, in recent years, much of the nation's lower end textiles production has been outsourced to [[Pharitaya]].  Haesan also excels at producing low to medium end electronics and household appliances. [[Seollim Automotive|Seollim]] and [[Suri Motors|Suri]] are internationally recognized automotive brands that are headquartered and manufactured in Haesan.


Haesan also hosts an expanding service sector, with large firms in both telecommunications and finance. Anfa is home to one of the largest commodities trading exchanges in the world, while Suyang is an international hub for broadcasting. Haesan has recently undertaken international initiatives to catch some its key service industries up to international standards, especially in software and biotechnology.
Conglomerates are common as Haesan has weak monopoly protections and relaxed labor laws compared to its economic peers. These large corporations, often comprised of subgroups in disparate industries, dominate the Haesanite corporate landscape. While historically leadership was hereditary, in recent decades CEOs and board members have been hired based on strictly meritocratic standards. Additionally, under the Choi administration in the 2000s, many cities in the south of Haesan along the coast of the Albarine Sea and the [[Suyang Bay]] were designated as [[Special Economic Zones]] (SEZs) to allow freer foreign investment. That designation has led corporations from nations like Eiria, Sanctaria, and Libertas Omnium Maximus to house significant manufacturing operations in Haesan.
The main manufacturing areas in Haesan are shipbuilding, aerospace, and chemicals—high-end industries in which Haesan has technical expertise. While historically relying on complex international supply chains, increasingly, specialized parts and electronic components are produced domestically. Haesan was historically a center for global textiles production, known for its production of mass-produced casual clothing and swimwear.  However, in recent years, even as much of the nation's textiles production has been outsourced to [[Pharitaya]], designers have maintained their operations in the nation, leading Suyang to be regarded as a global fashion hub which is home to several major designer brands. Haesan also excels at producing electronics and appliances for both consumer and industrial use. [[Seollim Automotive|Seollim]] and [[Suri Motors|Suri]] are internationally recognized automotive brands that are headquartered and manufactured in Haesan.[[File:Shipbuilding.jpg|alt=Shipbuilding|thumb|271x271px|Shipbuilding is a major industry in Haesan]]Haesan also hosts an expanding service sector, with large firms in both telecommunications and finance. Anfa is home to the Bourse Anfois, one of the largest commodities trading exchanges in the world, while Suyang's Bay Street is regarded as one of the IDU's foremost financial hubs. Haesan is an international hub for broadcasting, and its companies maintain media contracts across Hesperida. Haesan has recently undertaken international knowledge sharing initiatives to catch some its key service industries up to global benchmarks, particularly in software and biotechnology.


Agriculture still comprises around 20% of Haesan's economy, with much of the eastern portion of the country devoted to cereals production, especially wheat and barley. The orchards and farms of the Northlands and Maewha produce much of Haesan's domestically consumed fruits and vegetables, and Haesan is a net exporter of agricultural produce. Dairy farms are common in the Midwest and plains provinces; however, Haesan imports the majority of its meat production. Fishing is a key industry, and fishing rights are clearly delineated and strictly enforced by the federal government. Mining operations are plentiful in the west of Haesan, with significant reserves of iron and cobalt found in the mountainous provinces.
Agriculture still comprises around 15% of Haesan's economy, with much of the eastern portion of the country devoted to cereals production, especially wheat and barley. The orchards and farms of the Northlands and Maewha produce much of Haesan's domestically consumed fruits and vegetables, and Haesan is a net exporter of agricultural produce. Dairy farms are common in the Midwest and plains provinces; however, Haesan imports the majority of its meat production. Fishing is a key industry, and fishing rights are clearly delineated and strictly enforced by the federal government due to maritime conservation initiatives and an often contentious relationship with the Slokais Islands regarding their maritime bounadries. Mining operations are plentiful in the west of Haesan, with significant reserves of iron and cobalt found in the mountainous provinces of Maehwa and Seocheon.


===Energy & Infrastructure===
===Energy & Infrastructure===
Haesan is energy independent and a net exporter of electricity, producing over 50% of its energy from nuclear power. As part of Lagarde's trilogy of "Sky, Space, & Atom," Haesan invested heavily in nuclear energy throughout the 1970s, often poaching top nuclear engineers from more developed countries with lavish stimulus packages. After re-democratization, nuclear power became a symbol of national pride, and investment has continued to ensure Haesan's reactors are world class in both safety and efficiency. Much of the remainder of Haesan's electricity is produced through hydropower, with major dams found on the Su, Eun, and Ryu rivers. Natural gas is drilled offshore in the [[Gulf of Haesan]] and used domestically for heating and industrial production, and many processing plants and compressors are located in the north of Haesan.
Haesan is energy independent and a net exporter of electricity, producing over 50% of its energy from nuclear power. As part of Lagarde's trilogy of "Sky, Space, & Atom", Haesan invested heavily in nuclear energy throughout the 1970s, often poaching top nuclear engineers from more developed countries with lavish stimulus packages. After re-democratization, nuclear power became a symbol of national pride, and investment has continued to ensure Haesan's reactors are world class in both safety and efficiency. Much of the remainder of Haesan's electricity is produced through hydropower, with major dams found on the Su, Eun, and Ryu rivers. Natural gas is drilled offshore in the [[Gulf of Haesan]] and used domestically for heating and industrial production, and many processing plants and compressors are located in the north of Haesan.
{{multiple image
[[File:Bullet Train.jpg|thumb|A high speed train developed for the THX]]
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Railway is the most common method of travel between Haesanite cities, and high speed connections have expanded in recent decades due to foreign investment. Haesanite rail connections are managed by the state-controlled public corporation [[Haecheol]], a portmanteau of Haesan and ''cheoldo'', the Haean word for railway. Most notably, the ultra high-speed [[Haecheol#THX|Trans-Haesan Express]] (THX) travels non-stop between Suyang and Anfa in 2 hours and 14 minutes, with a potential top speed of 424 km/h (263 mph). Other major high-speed rail connections also link together the major cities of the southern coast, like Sinju, Hanyeong, and Anmi with Suyang in the [[Haecheol#SEL|Southern Express Line]] (SEL), and the Eungang/Hwagang/Marchal Valley from Anmi to Anfa through Hwagang in the [[Haecheol#List of high-speed routes|Central Valley Express]] (CVX). Haesan has 22,612 km (14,050 mi) of railway, 2,562 km (1591 mi) of which is high-speed.
| align            = right
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| direction        = vertical
| image1            = Nuclear Energy.jpg
| caption1          = A nuclear reactor in Haebam Province; Haesan produces the majority of its energy from nuclear power
| image2            = Bullet Train.jpg
| caption2          = Next-gen bullet trains operate on the THX line
}}
Haesan maintains a series of national expressways that cross the country and are essential for connecting the eastern agricultural regions to market towns on the coasts. Railway is the most common method of travel between Haesanite cities, and high speed connections have expanded in recent decades due to foreign investment. Haesanite rail connections are managed by the state-controlled public corporation [[Haecheol]], a portmanteau of Haesan and ''cheoldo'', the Haean word for railway. Most notably, the ultra high-speed [[Haecheol#THX|Trans-Haesan Express]] (THX) travels non-stop between Suyang and Anfa in 2 hours and 14 minutes, with a potential top speed of 424 km/h (263 mph). Other major high-speed rail connections also link together the major cities of the southern coast, like Sinju, Hanyeong, and Anmi, with Suyang in the [[Haecheol#SEL|Southern Express Line]] (SEL), and the Eungang/Hwagang/Marchal Valley from Anmi to Anfa through Hwagang in the [[Haecheol#List of high-speed routes|Central Valley Express]] (CVX). Haesan has 22,612 km (14,050 mi) of railway, 2,562 km (1591 mi) of which is high-speed.


Haesan has an advanced airport system, heavily built by foreign investment since democratization. The largest is Suyang-Hanyeong International Airport (SYH), located on an artificial island in Suyang Bay. SYH has an annual passenger traffic of 72 million travelers, making it one of the busiest in the IDU. Suyang-Hanyeong as well as the other large Suyang Metro airport, Suyang Nelson International (SNI), have recently won awards or have been nominated for awards in efficiency in passenger processing, airport cleanliness, and overall best airport in the IDU. Most large and medium sized cities have an international airport, with most passenger traffic at mid-sized airports headed to the Slokais Islands, Libertas Omnium Maximus, High Fells, and, increasingly, Laeral. Domestic air travel is seldom used due to the efficiency of the railway system, but puddle-jumpers from major hubs like Suyang, Anfa, and Sinju to smaller markets do exist.
Haesan has an advanced airport system, heavily built by foreign investment since democratization. The largest is Suyang-Hanyeong International Airport (SYH), located on an artificial island in Suyang Bay. SYH has an annual passenger traffic of 72 million travelers, making it one of the busiest in the IDU. Suyang-Hanyeong as well as the other large Suyang Metro airport, Suyang Nelson International (SNI), have recently won awards or have been nominated for awards in efficiency in passenger processing, airport cleanliness, and overall best airport in the IDU. Most large and medium sized cities have an international airport, with most passenger traffic at mid-sized airports headed to the Slokais Islands, Libertas Omnium Maximus, High Fells, and, increasingly, Laeral. Domestic air travel is seldom used due to the efficiency of the railway system, but puddle-jumpers from major hubs like Suyang, Anfa, and Sinju to smaller markets do exist.
[[File:Suyang Metro Line 5 train.jpg|thumb|A train on Line 5 of the Suyang Metropolitan Subway]]
Public transportation is inordinately common in Haesan due to its high percentage of urban dwellers and dense city structures. Most cities over half a million people have a metropolitan railway system, either an underground, a monorail, or some form of tram system. The [[Suyang Metropolitan Subway]] is the largest by passenger volume in the IDU, with 3.14 billion rides in 2023.  Buses are ubiquitous, but less popular than metros in the largest cities.


Public transportation is inordinately common in Haesan due to its high percentage of urban dwellers and dense city structures. Most cities over half a million people have a metropolitan railway system, either an underground, a monorail, or some form of tram system. Buses are ubiquitous, but less popular than metros in the largest cities.
Haesan maintains a series of national expressways that cross the country and are essential for connecting the eastern agricultural regions to market towns on the coasts. The Haesanite Inter-Provincial Highway System was built largely during the 1970s and early 1980s as a way to reconnect the largely destroyed urban areas after the Great War. The system consists of 14 inter-province majors, 31 inter-province minors, 84 parkways, and over 400 provincial highways.
 
The Haesanite Inter-Provincial Highway System was built largely during the 1970s and early 1980s as a way to reconnect the largely destroyed urban areas after the Great War. It primarily served three key purposes, to connect agricultural areas to market towns, to connect factory cities to coastal ports, and to enable the flow of people between major urban areas. The system consists of 14 inter-province majors, 31 inter-province minors, 84 parkways, and over 400 provincial highways.
[[File:Altina_Harbour.jpg|left|thumb|222x222px|Altina in the Southern Maritimes is the gateway for many tourists entering Haesan]]


===Tourism ===
===Tourism ===
Haesan has long been an international tourist destination, and the global growth in popularity of Haesanite culture has only propelled that further. The Southern Maritimes have an extensive tourist infrastructure and network of resorts and recreational activities along its tropical beaches. Small port towns in that province are also popular destinations, and many have small airports with service to provincial hubs like [[Altina]], Bridgeport, and Suyang. The island of Jakja, while having a population of only 81,000, hosts over half a million tourists a year, who come to visit its panoramic ocean vistas and unique geologic springs. Beach cities in the mainland also see a high volume of tourist activity, most notably Munseong, Namhae.
[[File:Altina_Harbour.jpg|left|thumb|248x248px|Altina in the Southern Maritimes is the gateway for many tourists entering Haesan]]Haesan has long been an international tourist destination, and the global growth in popularity of Haesanite culture has only propelled that further. The Southern Maritimes have an extensive tourist infrastructure and network of resorts and recreational activities along its tropical beaches. Small port towns in that province are also popular destinations, and many have small airports with service to regional hubs like [[Altina]], [[Bridgeport|Daegyo]], and Suyang. The island of Jakja, while having a population of only 81,000, hosts over half a million tourists a year, who come to visit its panoramic ocean vistas and unique geologic springs. Beach cities in the mainland also see a high volume of tourist activity, most notably [[Munseong]], Namhae.


Cultural tourism to Haesan's large urban areas has been steadily increasing, especially in Suyang where the growth of the music and fashion industries have driven a rise in international tourism. Haesan currently draws in around 45 million foreign tourists annually, with a federal goal of making that number 50 million by 2025. The ability for the vast majority of foreign travelers to visit Haesan visa-free has propelled its rise as a premier destination. Most tourists, however, arrive from countries in Haesan's region, especially Libertas Omnium Maximus, Slokais Islands, High Fells, and Laeral.
Cultural tourism to Haesan's large urban areas has been steadily increasing, especially in Suyang where the growth of the music and fashion industries have driven a rise in international tourism. Haesan currently draws in around 52 million foreign tourists annually. The ability for the vast majority of foreign travelers to visit Haesan visa-free has propelled its rise as a premier destination. Most tourists, however, arrive from countries in Haesan's region, especially Libertas Omnium Maximus, Slokais Islands, High Fells, and Laeral.


==Culture==
==Culture==
Haesan's culture is rooted in the traditions of its Classical Era; however, modern technological advancements have merged with ancient practices to form a particularly utilitarian form of culture. Art exhibits and other exhibitions of fine culture are either held at a community level or patronized by the upper classes, while its traditional and modern pottery and calligraphy have become popular collector's items. Haesanite entertainment is well regarded internationally, and its global growth has been driven by the cultural phenomenon known as the ''haeryu'', or Haesanite wave. Haesan's music industry is its largest cultural export and exerts a significant impact on Haesan's economy, especially with respect to cultural tourism. The Haean-language music industry commonly referred to as Hae-pop has become an international phenomenon in recent years, driven by engagement over social media and streaming sites. Haesanite film is well regarded domestically and recent campaigns have sought to make it better known on an international stage. Television programs produced in Haesan have also found a broad international audience in recent years, especially romantic dramas. Haesan is a major producer of broadcasting equipment, and Haesanite telecommunications corporations provide broadcasting services for much of the Hesperidan continent.  Haesan is also recognized for its competitive sports leagues, especially in baseball and association football.
Haesan's culture is rooted in the traditions of its Classical Era; however, modern technological advancements have merged with ancient practices. Art exhibits and other exhibitions of fine culture from both classical, colonial, and modern eras are publicly available in the nation's many galleries, while traditional pottery and calligraphy have become popular collector's items. Haesan's music industry is its largest cultural export and exerts a significant impact on Haesan's economy, especially with respect to cultural tourism. The Haean-language pop music commonly referred to as Hae-pop has become an international phenomenon in recent years, driven by engagement over social media and streaming sites. Haesanite film is well regarded domestically and recent campaigns have sought to make it better known on an international stage. Television programs produced in Haesan have also found a broad international audience in recent years, especially romantic dramas. Haesan is a major producer of broadcasting equipment, and Haesanite telecommunications corporations provide broadcasting services for much of the Hesperidan continent.  Haesan is also recognized for its competitive sports leagues, especially in baseball and association football.


===Art===
===Art===
[[File:Haesanite_pottery.jpg|alt=Light blue pottery|thumb|238x238px|Haesanite traditional pottery in the iconic seaside blue color]]
[[File:Haesanite_pottery.jpg|alt=Light blue pottery|thumb|270x270px|Haesanite traditional pottery in the iconic seaside blue color]]
In the classical era, art was typically designed for the royal court, mainly scroll paintings and ceramics. Compounds in Haesanite river mud allowed for pottery to be crafted in various unique tones, most notably pale green and a light blue which has become a national symbol of Haesan. During colonial occupation, still-lifes and portraits became common, and acrylics and watercolors became the most popular media, although scroll paintings and calligraphy were still popular amongst the merchant class at that time. During the Free Republic and provisional government, protest art was common, and large bold strokes of acrylic were characteristic of the works of a highly political nature.
In the classical era, art was typically designed for the royal court, mainly scroll paintings and ceramics. Compounds in Haesanite river mud allowed for pottery to be crafted in various unique tones, most notably a delicate aquamarine known as seaside blue which has become a national symbol of Haesan. During colonial occupation, still-lifes and portraits became common, and acrylics and watercolors became the most popular media, although scroll paintings and calligraphy were still popular amongst the merchant class at that time. During the Free Republic and provisional government, protest art was common, and large bold strokes of acrylic were characteristic of the highly political works.


Today, in part driven by the Haean Language Administration Act, Haesanite artists are rediscovering their traditional heritage. Numerous pottery and calligraphy studios can be found in almost every city with a significant population, often catering to tourists and visitors to the country as well as Haesan's burgeoning middle class. Modern art is still produced; however a clearly Haesanite style has yet to emerge. Several key art museums can be found in Haesan, most notably the [[Musée Central de l'Anfé]], hosting the largest collection of colonial period artwork from Haesanite and Arrivée masters, while the [[Suyang Museum of Modern Art|Suyang Modern]] is home to an abundant collection of protest art and contemporary works. The [[National Gallery (Haesan)|National Gallery]] in Hwagang houses many "national treasure" works of pottery and calligraphy, while the [[Haesan Museum of Anthropology]] in Suyang displays both utilitarian and artistic artworks dating back to the first settlements along the Southern Coast.
Today, in part driven by the Haean Language Administration Act, Haesanite artists are rediscovering their traditional heritage. Numerous pottery and calligraphy studios can be found in almost every city with a significant population, often catering to tourists and visitors to the country as well as Haesan's burgeoning middle class. Modern art is still produced; however a clearly Haesanite style has yet to emerge. Several key art museums can be found in Haesan, most notably the [[Musée Central de l'Anfé]], hosting the largest collection of colonial period artwork from Haesanite and Arrivée masters, while the [[Suyang Museum of Modern Art|Suyang Modern]] is home to an abundant collection of protest art and contemporary works. The [[National Gallery (Haesan)|National Gallery]] in Hwagang houses many "national treasure" works of pottery and calligraphy, while the [[Haesan Museum of Anthropology]] in Suyang displays both utilitarian and artistic exhibits dating back to the first settlements along the Southern Coast.


=== Cuisine===
=== Cuisine===
[[File:Memilpa_shells.jpg|alt=Buckwheat crepes|thumb|216x216px|Buckwheat crepes to be filled for ''memilpa'']]
[[File:Memilpa_shells.jpg|alt=Buckwheat crepes|thumb|241x241px|Buckwheat crepes to be filled for ''memilpa''|left]]
Haesan's cuisine is unique due to its abundance of staple grains, with rice cultivation common in the south while the east and northeast produce an abundance of wheat and barley. Additionally, while fish and shellfish are staples due to Haesan's maritime geography, pork and beef are not uncommon in the interior, especially in market towns and cities. Spice is a common feature in many Haesanite staple dishes especially for those in the lower classes, while pickling and salt-curing are commonly utilized techniques. Haesanite dishes are typically well sauced, and the cuisine [[Liberalia|borrows]] heavily from the French tradition as the mother sauces are often used in harmony with more traditional preparations. Hospitality is of the utmost importance in Haesanite dining, and most restaurants will provide water, tea, and various small side dishes free of charge.
Haesan's cuisine is unique due to its abundance of staple grains, with rice cultivation common in the south while the east and northeast produce an abundance of wheat and barley. Additionally, while fish and shellfish are staples due to Haesan's maritime geography, pork and beef are not uncommon in the interior, especially in market towns and cities. Spice is a common feature in many Haesanite staple dishes, especially for those in the lower classes, while pickling and salt-curing are commonly utilized techniques. Haesanite dishes are typically well sauced, and the cuisine borrows heavily from the Arrivée tradition as traditional French techniques are often used in harmony with Haean preparations. Hospitality is of the utmost importance in Haesanite dining, and most restaurants will provide water, tea, and various small side dishes free of charge.


The national dish is ''[[memilpa]]'', or a savory buckwheat crepe filled with fish, usually cod or hake, and an herbed [[wikipedia:Velouté_sauce|velouté]] sauce formed from a roux. ''Memilpa'', along with many other traditional Haesanite foods, is quite portable, and food stalls and vendors are a common sight along major thoroughfares, and a dizzying variety of foods can be found in both established market squares and in common, traditionally impromptu night markets.
The national dish is ''[[memilpa]]'', or a savory buckwheat crepe filled with fish, usually cod or hake, and an herbed sauce formed from a roux. ''Memilpa'', along with many other traditional Haesanite foods, is quite portable, and food stalls and vendors are a common sight along major thoroughfares, and a dizzying variety of foods can be found in both established markets and traditionally impromptu night markets.


Haesan has a complicated history with alcohol. While traditionally produced throughout the classical period, widespread drunkenness and the resulting property damages from sailors caused colonial rulers to enforce strict limits on alcohol consumption. While this briefly liberalized in the 1920s and 30s, the Free Republic resumed the restrictive policies. As such, alcohol consumption is often disdained among the elderly; however, drinking has become increasingly common amongst the urban youth. [[wikipedia:Soju|Soju]] is popular, and while traditional Haesanite soju derives from fermented barley, now many varieties can be widely found. The Northlands have long been a wine producing region, with [[wikipedia:Syrah|Shiraz]] being the dominant red grape, and [[wikipedia:Aligoté|Aligoté]] widely planted to produce a characteristic dry white. [[wikipedia:Crème_de_cassis|Cassis]] is another typical Haesanite spirit, and the black currant liquor is typically paired with red wine.
Haesan has a fraught history with alcohol. While traditionally produced throughout the classical period, widespread drunkenness and the resulting property damages from sailors caused colonial rulers to enforce strict limits on alcohol consumption. While this briefly liberalized in the 1920s and 30s, the Free Republic resumed the restrictive policies. As such, alcohol consumption is often disdained among the elderly; however, drinking has become increasingly common amongst the urban youth. [[wikipedia:Soju|Soju]] is popular, and while traditional Haesanite soju derives from fermented barley, now many varieties can be widely found. The Northlands have long been a wine producing region, with [[wikipedia:Syrah|Shiraz]] being the dominant red grape, and [[wikipedia:Aligoté|Aligoté]] widely planted to produce a characteristic dry white. [[wikipedia:Crème_de_cassis|Cassis]] is another typical Haesanite spirit, and the black currant liquor is typically paired with red wine.


Fine dining establishments are relatively common in Haesan, and its city of Anfa is home to the headquarters of the [[Seollim Guide]], the premier restaurant grading service in the IDU. Celebrity chefs from Haesan have gained notoriety across the world as well, with restauranteurs like Lee Hyeon-su and Zeynab Karami often making appearances on [[Masters of Cuisine|foreign competitions]] in addition to their domestic audience.
Fine dining establishments are relatively common in Haesan, and its city of Anfa is home to the headquarters of the [[Seollim Guide]], the premier restaurant grading service in the IDU. Celebrity chefs from Haesan have gained notoriety across the world as well, with restauranteurs like Lee Hyeon-su and Zeynab Karami making appearances on [[Masters of Cuisine|foreign competitions]] in addition to their domestic media attention.


=== Film ===
=== Film ===
Haesan's film industry has a complicated history stemming back to the colonial era, when after the turn of the 20th century, the Opthelian government would send news-based film reels to provide information to the colony about updated edicts and other major events.  In the late 20s and 30s, the Palace district of Suyang became famous for its art deco theatres and numerous production houses.  During the Free Republic, the government forcibly acquired many of the film houses to produce and distribute propaganda films, and many media that were critical to the regime were either censored or bought out.  While Maximusian films were commonly distributed during the post-Great War administration period, most movie theatres and projection equipment was either destroyed during the war, or had been shuttered or sold due to its economic aftermath.  As such, the brief period of cultural liberalization generally did not affect the Haesanite film industry, and after Lagarde's return to power, government-supported films with propagandistic messages were once again the norm.
[[File:Arcadian Theater.jpg|left|thumb|The historic Arcadian Theatre is one of many 1920s era movie houses in the Palace District in Suyang|283x283px]]
Haesan's film industry has a history tracing back to the colonial era, when after the turn of the 20th century, the Opthelian government would send news-based film reels to provide information to the colony about updated edicts and other major events.  In the late 20s and 30s, the Palace district of Suyang became famous for its art deco theatres and numerous production houses.  During the Free Republic, the government forcibly acquired many of the film houses to produce and distribute propaganda films, and many media that were critical to the regime were either censored or bought out.  While Maximusian films were commonly distributed during the post-Great War administration period, most movie theatres and projection equipment were either destroyed during the war, or had been shuttered or sold due to its economic aftermath.  As such, the brief period of cultural liberalization generally did not affect the Haesanite film industry, and after Lagarde's return to power, government-supported films with propagandistic messages were once again the norm.


After democratization, the Haesanite film industry finally had a chance to develop on its own, and the Haesanite movie landscape dramatically transformed.  Copying the style of Maximusian and Laeralian film, narratives became focused on individualistic plotlines rather than around the broader success of the community or society.  Policies during the 90s further rejuvenated Haesanite film, as funding for historical preservation allowed for the restoration of the legendary Palace district film houses to their full state for the first time since the early 1940s.  Now, the Haesanite film industry is independent and it has risen in clout in recent years, as suspenseful films by directors like Chang San have come to be emblematic of Haesanite film and are appreciated on an IDU-wide stage.
After democratization, the Haesanite film industry finally had a chance to develop on its own, and the Haesanite movie landscape dramatically transformed.  Copying the style of Maximusian and Laeralian film, narratives became focused on individualistic plotlines rather than around the broader success of the community or society.  Policies during the 90s further rejuvenated Haesanite film, as funding for historical preservation allowed for the restoration of the legendary Palace district film houses to their full state for the first time since the early 1940s.  Now, the Haesanite film industry is independent and it has risen in clout in recent years, as suspenseful films by directors like Chang San have come to be emblematic of Haesanite film and are appreciated on an IDU-wide stage.


===Holidays===
===Holidays===
Haesan dually celebrates Celestine and Christian holidays.  Traditionally, Celestine festival days include Midsummer, Midwinter, and the Lunar New Year (''Seollal'').  The Christian holidays celebrated by Haesan are Good Friday, Easter, and Christmas.  Due to the proximity between Midwinter and Christmas, many businesses shut their doors for the week, with any additional days off granted referred to as "bridge days".  In addition to these religious holidays, Haesan has designated other days as holidays due to their national importance.  These include New Year's Day and New Year's Eve, which are the most widely celebrated holidays in the nation.  February 1st is Haesan's Independence Day, usually celebrated by organizing parades and wearing national regalia.  April 4th is Memorial Day, a national day of mourning of those who fought for Haesan's freedom, held to commemorate the anniversary of the April Coup, Haesan's bloody descent into autocracy.  The traditional Harvest Festival according to the lunar calendar has since been standardized and is held the third Friday in September, usually businesses also allow their employees the preceding Thursday off as well.  October 10th is Commonwealth Day, the anniversary of the formation of the Second Commonwealth, where participating in civics education and community service activities are the norm, seen as participating in the ongoing democratic experiment. Boxing Day is also a federal holiday.
[[File:Midwinter lantern festival.jpg|thumb|Releasing wishing lanterns skyward is a tradition of the Celestine holiday of Midwinter|303x303px]]
Haesan dually celebrates Celestine and Christian holidays.  Traditionally, Celestine festival days include Midsummer, Midwinter, and the Lunar New Year (''Seollal'').  The Christian holidays celebrated by Haesan are Good Friday, Easter, and Christmas.  Due to the proximity between Midwinter and Christmas, many businesses shut their doors for the week, with any additional days off granted referred to as "bridge days".  In addition to these religious holidays, Haesan has designated other days as holidays due to their national importance.  These include New Year's Day and New Year's Eve, which are the most widely celebrated holidays in the nation.  February 1st is Haesan's Independence Day, usually celebrated by organizing parades and wearing national regalia.  April 4th is Memorial Day, a national day of mourning of those who fought for Haesan's freedom, held to commemorate the anniversary of the April Coup, Haesan's bloody descent into autocracy.  The traditional Harvest Festival according to the lunar calendar has since been standardized and is held the third Friday in September, and usually businesses also allow their employees the preceding Thursday off as well.  October 10th is Commonwealth Day, the anniversary of the formation of the Second Commonwealth, where participating in civics education and community service activities are the norm, seen as participating in the ongoing democratic experiment. Boxing Day is also a federal holiday, a legacy of Opthelian rule.


=== Music ===
=== Music ===
{{See also|Hae-pop}}Haesanite culture is most internationally recognized for its musical production. Throughout Haesanite history, music has been the largest focus of government cultural expenditure and becoming a talented musician has widely been regarded as reaching the pinnacle of the performing arts. For most of the classical period, Haesanite music was designed around court performances, with ensembles of traditional stringed instruments, lyres, and woodwinds arranged in ornamental, elaborate pieces. As musical performances were so highly valued, the government established several national music academies starting in the 12th century, many of which are still in operation today and are among the oldest dedicated arts schools in the IDU.
{{See also|Hae-pop}}
 
[[File:Court music.jpg|thumb|A presentation of traditional court music at Jangsa]]
Colonization brought [[Liberalia|Liberalian]] instruments and styles to Haesan, and in urban areas orchestras were founded and concert halls were constructed by Opthelian authorities in order to ensure the "proper culturization" of the Haesanite people. While the Liberalian orchestral styles were originally largely rejected by the Haesanite public as a colonial imposition, in recent decades Haesan has become one of the largest incubators of classical music talent with its preparatory school system being easily tailored to intensive arts education. The [[Suyang Philharmonia]] is consistently rated as among the top orchestras in the IDU, while Haesan has also generated many internationally renowned classical musicians, particularly concert violinists like Kim Da-eun and Park Jun-seong.
Haesanite culture is most internationally recognized for its musical production. Throughout Haesanite history, music has been the largest focus of government cultural expenditure and becoming a talented musician has widely been regarded as reaching the pinnacle of the performing arts. For most of the classical period, Haesanite music was designed around court performances, with ensembles of traditional stringed instruments, lyres, and woodwinds arranged in ornamental, elaborate pieces. As musical performances were so highly valued, the government established several national music academies starting in the 12th century, many of which are still in operation today and are among the oldest dedicated arts schools in the IDU.
[[File:Hae-pop_idols.jpg|alt=Idol singers in concert|thumb|252x252px|Hae-pop idols in concert]]
Haesan also has a rich culture of jazz music, with distinctive styles being developed in the cultural and socioeconomic melting pots of the working class bars and clubs of its port cities throughout the 1920s and 30s. The style of Suyang Blues, characterized by its patterned lyrical style and extensive musical improvisation, has gained significant international recognition and has spawned numerous spin-off genres across the IDU. Although often certain lyrics were censored during the Free Republic, post democratization the genre has seen a resurgence, with jazz clubs common in the Harbour and Prospect districts of Suyang.


However, Haesan's music industry is most internationally recognized for its pop-music production more generally known as [[Hae-pop]], a term which refers to Haesanite hook-laden, electronically produced songs sung in blended English and Haean. With its origins in the early 1990s as the media liberalization brought about by the democratic transition allowed for Haesanites to experience a broader range of musical styles and the Haean Language Administration Act funded Haean-language based cultural projects, independent artists and fledgling media corporations were able to leverage cultural energy into the formation of a unique style. By the late 1990s, the industry had become dominated by large entertainment conglomerates, most notably HS Entertainment and Yura Records, which had formed musical groups incorporating slick, highly-rehearsed dance lines with upbeat, electronic beats. These so called "idol groups" have formed the core of the genre and have been the main vector for its international spread. As a result of the genre's recent explosion in popularity, Haesan has invested in significant infrastructure for performances as well as integrating idol academies into Haesan's educational system, often with corporate-government partnerships.
Colonization brought [[Liberalia|Liberalian]] instruments and styles to Haesan, and in urban areas orchestras were founded as concert halls were constructed by Opthelian authorities in order to ensure the "proper culturization" of the Haesanite people. While the Liberalian orchestral styles were originally largely rejected by the Haesanite public as a colonial imposition, in recent decades Haesan has become one of the largest incubators of classical music talent with its preparatory school system being easily adapted to intensive arts education. The [[Suyang Philharmonia]] is consistently rated as among the top orchestras in the IDU, while Haesan has also generated many internationally renowned classical musicians, particularly concert violinists like Kim Da-eun and Park Jun-seong.
Haesan also has a rich culture of jazz music, with distinctive styles being developed in the cultural and socioeconomic melting pots of the working class bars and clubs of its port cities throughout the 1920s and 30s. The style of Suyang Blues, characterized by its patterned lyrical style and extensive musical improvisation, has gained significant international recognition and has spawned numerous spin-off genres across the IDU. Although often certain lyrics were censored during the Free Republic, post democratization the genre has seen a resurgence, with jazz clubs common in the Harbour and Prospect districts of Suyang.[[File:Hae-pop_idols.jpg|alt=Idol singers in concert|thumb|282x282px|Hae-pop idols in concert]]However, Haesan's music industry is most well known for its pop-music production, especially [[Hae-pop]]: hook-laden, electronically produced songs sung in blended English and Haean. With its origins in the early 1990s as the media liberalization brought about by the democratic transition allowed for Haesanites to experience a broader range of musical styles and the Haean Language Administration Act funded Haean-language based cultural projects, independent artists and fledgling media corporations were able to leverage cultural energy into the formation of a unique style. By the late 1990s, the industry had become dominated by large entertainment conglomerates, most notably HS Entertainment and Yura Records, which had formed musical groups incorporating slick, highly-rehearsed dance lines with upbeat, electronic beats. These so called "idol groups" have formed the core of the genre and have been the main vector for its international spread. As a result of the genre's recent explosion in popularity, Haesan has invested in significant infrastructure for performances as well as integrating idol academies into Haesan's educational system, often with corporate-government partnerships.


===Sports===
===Sports===
[[File:Archeryhn.jpg|alt=woman shooting arrow with bow|left|thumb|202x202px|Haesan is competitive in archery at the international level, and it is a national sport]]
[[File:Archeryhn.jpg|alt=woman shooting arrow with bow|left|thumb|217x217px|Haesan is competitive in archery at the international level, and it is a national sport]]
Taekwondo and archery are the national sports of Haesan. Both sports have a history in Haesan stretching back over two millennia, and the themes central to both, focus, discipline, and mastery over mind and body, form the central tenets of Haesanite athletics. Sailing, rowing, and surfing are very popular, especially in the Maritime Provinces, while professional swimming is usually conducted in purpose-built aquatics centers as opposed to the open ocean. Winter sports are popular in the mountainous west and north-west, with ski chalets often found in the Northlands. Curling was formally invented in Haesan's Northlands in the 19th century, and due to its passionate and dedicated fan base, curling facilities are common even in warmer climates.
Taekwondo and archery are the national sports of Haesan. Both sports have a history in Haesan stretching back over two millennia, and the themes central to both, focus, discipline, and mastery over mind and body, form the central tenets of Haesanite athletics. Sailing, rowing, and surfing are very popular, especially in the Maritime Provinces, while professional swimming is usually conducted in purpose-built aquatics centers as opposed to the open ocean. Winter sports are popular in the mountainous west and north-west, with ski chalets often found in the Northlands. Curling was formally invented in Haesan's Northlands in the 19th century, and due to its passionate and dedicated fan base, curling facilities are common even in warmer climates.
[[File:College_baseball.jpg|alt=pitcher with blue hat|thumb|190x190px|An [[Anmi State University|Anmi State]] pitcher during a Southern Coast Conference baseball game]]
[[File:College_baseball.jpg|alt=pitcher with blue hat|thumb|218x218px|An [[Anmi State University|Anmi State]] pitcher during a Southern Coast Conference baseball game]]
Collegiate athletics draw the highest ratings in Haesanite television, and competitions are extremely intense and well regarded. The "Core Four" conferences generally tend to field the most competitive teams, however minor conference teams have won many prestigious competitions in recent years as a greater depth of talent enters the university system. Athletics are often seen as a driver of upward mobility for those who went to tech or service prep schools, giving them a chance to earn a college diploma. Baseball, basketball, and taekwondo championships are among the most prestigious, and televised championship matches often get tens of millions of domestic viewers.
Collegiate athletics draw the highest ratings in Haesanite television, and competitions are extremely intense and well regarded. The "Core Four" conferences generally tend to field the most competitive teams, however minor conference teams have won many prestigious competitions in recent years as a greater depth of talent enters the university system. Athletics are often seen as a driver of upward mobility for those who went to tech or service prep schools, giving them a chance to earn a college diploma. Baseball, basketball, and taekwondo championships are among the most prestigious, and televised championship matches often get tens of millions of domestic viewers.


Association football and baseball are the most prominent professional sports in Haesan. Top-flight football is played in the [[Commonwealth League]], and promotion and relegation is possible throughout a 10 tier league structure. Baseball is [[Haesanite National League|similarly structured]], and many Haesanite pro baseball teams import players from across the IDU. Curling leagues are popular winter entertainment, and the national championships are highly anticipated events, pitting the best men's, women's, and mixed-doubles teams from each province against each other. Across the board, Haesanite sports are marked by avid cheerleading squads, interactive fan participation including highly rehearsed fan chants, and a very active, dynamic style of play.
Association football and baseball are the most prominent professional sports in Haesan. Top-flight football is played in the [[Commonwealth League]], and promotion and relegation is possible throughout a 10 tier league structure. Baseball is [[Haesanite National League|similarly structured]], and many Haesanite pro baseball teams import players from across the IDU. Curling leagues are popular winter entertainment, and the national championships are highly anticipated events, pitting the best men's, women's, and mixed-doubles teams from each province against each other. Across the board, Haesanite sports are marked by avid cheerleading squads, interactive fan participation including highly rehearsed fan chants, and a very active, dynamic style of play.


Haesan marked its first appearance at the [[Haesan at the Olympics|IDU Olympic Games]] in 2023 in [[Hanshui]], Laeral. It also hosted the [[2024 IDU Baseball Classic]].
Haesan marked its first appearance at the [[Haesan at the Olympics|IDU Olympic Games]] in 2023 in [[Hanshui]], Laeral. Suyang hosted the [[2025 Summer Olympics]], the first Olympiad after the division of the event into summer and winter games.  Haesan also hosted the [[2024 IDU Baseball Classic]].  The National Games, a national inter-province athletic competition, are held biennially in Suyang.


=== Television ===
=== Television ===
[[File:Meridian Broadcasting Company.jpg|thumb|284x284px|The Nageunho-gu headquarters of the Meridian Broadcasting Company]]
Television media has a storied history in Haesan, with TV programming being essential to the culture of the Free Republic period up until the Great War. While streaming is increasingly surpassing live broadcasts domestically, Haesan remains a major broadcasting center in Hesperida, and often Haesanite firms are tasked with covering live events, especially sporting events. Haesanite dramas have also been gaining international popularity due to their wholesome, slow-developing romantic plotlines and exquisite costume and set design.
Television media has a storied history in Haesan, with TV programming being essential to the culture of the Free Republic period up until the Great War. While streaming is increasingly surpassing live broadcasts domestically, Haesan remains a major broadcasting center in Hesperida, and often Haesanite firms are tasked with covering live events, especially sporting events. Haesanite dramas have also been gaining international popularity due to their wholesome, slow-developing romantic plotlines and exquisite costume and set design.


Haesanite TV is usually broadcast on the big three networks: Suyang Broadcasting Systems (SBS), Haesan Broadcasting Systems (HBS), and Meridian Broadcasting Company (MBC). MBC owns Hesperida Sports Network (HSN), currently the largest and most prominent English language sports media platform, covering major athletic events across the region and occasionally important events on other continents as well. Haesanite networks are popular in other nations on the continent, especially those with large anglophone or Haean populations such as Aredoa, Pharitaya, and High Fells. Haesanite services are more widely available in the eastern portion of the continent, although increasingly nations like [[Zongongia]] have contracted with Haesanite broadcasters to expand coverage to the wider region.
Haesanite TV is usually broadcast on the three main networks: Suyang Broadcasting Systems (SBS), Haesan Broadcasting Systems (HBS), and Meridian Broadcasting Company (MBC). MBC owns Hesperida Sports Network (HSN), currently the largest and most prominent English language sports media platform, covering major athletic events across the region and occasionally important events on other continents as well. Haesanite networks are popular in other nations on the continent, especially those with large anglophone or Haean populations such as Aredoa, Pharitaya, and High Fells. Haesanite services are more widely available in the eastern portion of the continent, although increasingly nations like [[Zongongia]] have contracted with Haesanite broadcasters to expand coverage to the wider region.


==Notes==
==Notes==

Latest revision as of 11:28, 12 May 2025

The Commonwealth of Haesan
해산민국 (Haesan Minguk)
Flag
Emblem
Motto: "The moon will guide you home"
Anthem: "As the Eastern Star Rises"
  Territory controlled   Territory claimed but not controlled (Littoral Marches)
  Territory controlled
CapitalHwagang
LargestSuyang
Official languagesEnglish, Haean
Recognised regional languagesFrench, Sarene
Demonym(s)Haesanite
GovernmentParliamentary Republic
• President
Kim I-seul
• Prime Minister
Sabrina Hwang
LegislatureNational Assembly of Haesan
Chamber of the Commonwealth
Chamber of Deputies
Establishment
• So-yu and Su-ho (mythological)
1900 BCE
• Southern Coast first settled
c. 800 BCE
• Haesan first united
941
• Independence from Opthelia declared, First Commonwealth formed
1921 February 1
1942 April 4
1964 January 11
1972 March 18
• Founding of the Second Commonwealth
1985 October 10
Area
• Total[a]
373,309 km2 (144,135 sq mi)
• Water (%)
8.2%
Population
• 2015 estimate
131,670,000
GDP (PPP)estimate
• Per capita
$37,145
GDP (nominal)estimate
• Per capita
$25,860
Gini (2023)41.6
medium
HDI (2023).853
very high
CurrencyHaesanite seol (𐋃) (HNS)
Time zoneUTC+6; +6:30; +7; +8 (Various (WHT, HMT, CHT, EHT))
Date formatyyyy.mm.dd
Driving sideleft
Calling code+21
Internet TLD.hn

Haesan (Haean: 해산), officially the Commonwealth of Haesan (Haean: 해산민국) is a semi-presidential, parliamentary, capitalist, democratic republic located in the east of Hesperida in the International Democratic Union. It borders Laeral to the west through the disputed province of the Littoral Marches and Lao Sansong to the north. The narrow Slokais Straits separate Haesan from the Slokais Islands in the east. The nation is noted for its long coastline and many river valleys, and maritime activity has long been a core component of its economy. Haesan covers an area of 373,309 km² and has a population of 131 million people.

Haesan was first unified in the 10th century, but the nation would cease to be self governing in the 18th century when it was colonized by Opthelia in the south and the French in the north. The two occupying factions fought the War of Haesanite Succession, in which the Opthelian forces conquered the whole of the nation. Opthelian occupation would last until protests and revolutionary actions led to the establishment of the First Commonwealth of Haesan in 1921. After two decades of political instability, the April Coup in 1942 established the Free Republic of Haesan, a military-backed dictatorship. In 1961, Henri Lagarde assumed control, and with foreign backing implemented his vision of futurism, intensely focusing on scientific advancement, often at the cost of economic growth. In the Great War, Haesan lost its territorial integrity after invasions from Darya, Lao Sansong, and the Slokais Islands, and at the war's conclusion a provisional government was established by Libertas Omnium Maximus. After 5 years of provisional oversight, the Free Republic of Haesan was reestablished, and Henri Lagarde was reinstalled as its leader. In 1980, an aging Lagarde was assassinated and his Minister of Defence, Kim Ji-hun seized power and would reluctantly facilitate a return to democracy in 1985.

Modern democratic leaders have sought to improve social cohesion throughout the multiethnic state through policies like the Block Association System, while seeking to modernize the nation's sluggish economy. In the wake of the Monetary Crisis of 2004, the government of Choi Da-yeon used policy to provide favorable conditions for foreign investors, leading to both extraordinary improvements in infrastructure and very high wealth inequality. Haesan's economy largely revolves around export-oriented manufacturing, but a non-negligible portion remains agricultural. A majority of the population lives in urban areas, and its city of Suyang is one of the largest cities by population in the IDU.

Haesanite culture is gaining international recognition, driven largely by the global growth of Haean language pop music. Haesan's traditional cuisine, cultural traditions, and athletic events have also seen a resurgence after the Haean Language Administration Act provided government funding to preserve traditional cultural activities. Haesan is also a growing tourist destination, with visitors flocking to the quaint port cities and pristine beaches of its Maritime Provinces in the Albarine Sea.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Haesan's name derives from the traditional, non-standardized Haean 해 (hae) meaning the ocean and 산 (san) meaning mountains. This name has been used continuously for over 2000 years and was likely first used by the Haemi residents to refer to the general swath of land between the Maehwa Mountains and the Albarine Sea, what is now referred to as the southern coast region or namhae. As the region became increasingly unified under one political system, the word "haesan" became used to describe the territory controlled by the rulers, before becoming the nation's official name formally upon unification in 941. Some scholars have posited that the name also could be a direct translation from the more standardized Haean 해산 (haesan) meaning to break up or disperse, based on the fact that the devolution of power and legal jurisdiction to local authorities by the first kings of unified Haesan was a unique and monumental political shift at the time. However, recent archeological findings of the widespread use of the term before unification has led to that hypothesis being widely discredited.

History[edit | edit source]

Ancient History[edit | edit source]

Pearls were a proto-currency in ancient Haesan, and were more valuable based on size and lustre

According to Haesanite Celestial mythology, the nation was founded in 1900 BCE by So-yu and Su-ho. In the archeological record, however, the first evidence of organized civilizations is dated to around 800 BCE with settlers small fishing communities on the Hanyeong Peninsula. By 600 BCE, there is archeological evidence of these communities forming loose trade networks with pearls being used as a proto-currency. These communities would ultimately form trade networks and then unify either through violence or diplomacy into loose confederations of city states.

By 200 BCE, the largest of these confederations, known as the Hanyeong Compact, comprised over 20 towns across the Gulf of Sinju region, and is recognized as the first formal political polity in Haesanite history. Founded on the principle of "one town, one vote" the group made economic and treaty decisions by majority vote[b], and the towns saw a period of prosperity as the southwest became by far the richest and most influential area of Haesan. Eventually, by 100 CE, the leaders of Sinju, which had grown into the largest city in Haesan, decided that having the same amount of influence as much smaller fishing towns was no longer acceptable after decades of failing to achieve political reforms democratically. As such, the ruling Seo family marshalled a military force and invaded a controlling share of the townships in the Compact. The Seo family then declared that they had the sole right to rule over the Compact territories, but the Choi mandate in Suyang, the second most populous and influential city at time, quickly coalesced the remainder of the towns to fight for the preservation of the Compact. In 134 CE the two sides would start outright conflict, beginning the Warring Dukedoms period, which would last for over 800 years.

Warring Dukedoms Period[edit | edit source]

A map of Haesan c. 450 CE during the Warring Dukedoms period

After the collapse of the Hanyeong Compact, war broke out between the Seo and Choi Dukedoms, eventually growing to include the newly established Hwang and Kim Dukedoms. The conflict was particularly violent and largely stagnant, and in 276[c] the dukedoms signed the Four Party Ceasefire to end hostilities, one of the oldest recorded political treaties in IDU history. However, the next two centuries saw political machinations leading to the formation of four more dukedoms, along with high levels of internal violence and instability. Eventually these tensions would erupt in a new spate of violence in 442, concluding in three separate governates: the Kim Dukedom prevailing over the entire eastern seaboard, a unified pact jointly controlling the central plains and mountains from Suyang, and a reconstituted Seo Dukedom in the west.

The tripartite division held remarkably well, allowing the dukedoms to respond to external socio-political shifts like the arrival of Minjian in the 7th century. Often discriminated against, many Minjian were sent to what is now modern day High Fells along the Road of Exiles, a harsh trek through the Soe Mountains that few survived. In the late 9th century, the Kwon (Ken) clan disrupted the peace and move south from Gwansong, in modern day Lao Sansong, with superiority in numbers and a slight advantage in military technology. They rapidly conquered the entirety of the northern plains, and after a victory at Haseon, by the early 10th century they threatened the southern coastal capitals of the established dukedoms. Facing the risk of defeat, the three united under the banner of a joint command and over the course of the following decades pushed the clansmen back to the north, before forcing their surrender in 940. In 941, the three dukedoms formally united as the United Dominion of Haesan under the leadership of the victorious general Han Jae-min.

Classical Era[edit | edit source]

The Cheolchaek repository in Haseon; woodblock printing greatly increased literacy in Classical Haesan

The start of the Classical Era saw tremendous technological advancements which solidified the United Dominion of Haesan as a rising regional power. The advancement of woodblock printing allowed for the greater spread and preservation of ideas, while modifications to the Haean language changed its complex pictographic system into a streamlined alphabet and allowed for a wider degree of scholarship. From the 11th century to the late 15th century, Haesan maintained the highest full literacy rates in the IDU, and in Suyang around 1 in 10 individuals could both read and write. These advances to knowledge also allowed for the development of some of the oldest institutions of higher learning, including the Great Scholastic Hall[d] in the 13th century, the Royal College[e] in the 15th century, and for music and art the Academy of the Court[f] in the 12th century.

Technological advances also led to a great increase in naval power which created an influx of trading and wealth. Advancements to compass technology and more precise astrolabes allowed for an increased ease of navigation while improved metalworking and weaving techniques brought about faster, more durable, and more capacious ships, allowing Haesanite fleets to freely control key Albarine Sea and Promethean Sea trade routes. Foreign visitors to Suyang in the 15th century described the city as having a greater variety of trade goods than any other locality on the planet and were awed by the city's size and opulence; some historical estimates record that the city was both the most populous and wealthiest in the world at this period in time.

A 16th century Haean merchant ship; Imperial Haesan has been given the moniker the "Merchant Empire" for its extractive trade policies

After over 200 years of stable and prosperous dynastic rule, the Han family declared the Empire of Haesan in 1297. In the late 14th century, under the Empress Min, Imperial Haesan would witness its greatest extent and peak of power, incorporating the Kingdom of Pharitaya into its territory. Furthermore, Imperial Haesan created a near monopoly on trade of major luxuries like tea, silk, pearls, and handicrafts through what has been described as "aggressive merchant diplomacy": demanding concessions from major regional ports while simultaneously greatly reducing access to domestic markets by charging exorbitant fees to trade at Haesanite ports.

In the 16th century, the Empire began to face serious external threats from Valahandia to the south and the Costenan Empire from the east after the Constenan conquest of the Slokais Islands. With a strong navy and visionary leadership from Admiral Cho Je-dok, Haesan was able to fend off the first wave of foreign invasion; however, with many resources used in the initial defence, it became difficult to maintain the nation's territorial integrity for long. In the late 17th century, Dutch arrivals established colonial ports at Gyeongseong on the nation's Promethean Coast, along with Constantia and Nieuw Tiel in the Sarene Islands. Desperate for help and with Opthelian and French "scouting expeditions" having already been dispatched to the nation, the government licensed privateers in the Albarine Sea to try and recontrol critical trade routes, but in practice they often looted indiscriminately. With the nation's trade-dependent economy in distress, Haesan did not have the resources to defend itself when French and Opthelian troops arrived en masse, bringing 700 years of stable dynastic rule in Haesan to an abrupt end.

Colonial Era[edit | edit source]

The 1792 Treaty of Levesque ceded Haesan to the Opthelians

At the start of the 18th century, Opthelia made aggressive moves in the southern portion of Haesan such as forcibly opening ports like Suyang and Anmi. Starting from the 1730s, the Opthelian government switched approaches and began installing governorships instead, often working with and bribing local elites to bring cities under their control. Meanwhile, the French landed in the north of the country in the mid-18th century and rapidly began a large wave of colonial migration with nearly 100,000 Arrivee relocated to cities and towns across the north over a 50 year period. The French further established the Chateauvignts system, building castles across their colonial holdings to secure their territory. These military developments led to increased tensions between the Opthelians and French, ultimately leading to the War of Haesanite Succession in 1790. The Opthelians would emerge victorious and would sign the Treaty of Levesque with the French in 1792, granting them control of all of Haesan[g] in exchange for voiding any Opthelian claims over the Duchy of Fells-Haute.

The early period of Opthelian rule was marked by missteps and rebellions. In order to establish Opthelian control over commercial affairs, strict levies on luxury goods and property were implemented across the south of Haesan from which Opthelian leaders were often exempt. Discontent was particularly strong in Anmi, where Cho's Rebellion broke out in 1806 when locals torched the Opthelian military barracks in the city and burned down several naval ships. As word got out and protests began to spread, Opthelia fortified Haesanite cities, quashed protests, and put many key cities under martial law, an order that would stay in place in some cities for over four decades.

In 1852, Lord Stanley Nelson was appointed as Governor of Haesan, and he set about an ambitious series of economic reforms. Embracing advances in steam powered machinery, he lifted martial law and coordinated with wealthy Haemi businessmen to construct factories and increase agricultural production. With coal and iron mined from the nation's western mountains, the economy of Haesan rapidly transformed, becoming one of the IDU's largest producers of cotton and linen cloth, machined iron and steel products, and consumer goods like tea and cosmetics for consumption in Opthelian markets. The Nelson governorship saw the transformation of ports, the emergence of wealthy merchant districts in major cities, and the development of railroad infrastructure in the colony. However, Nelson's rule also saw its own political struggles; after frustrated Arrivée in the city of Levesque formed the "Libre Levesque" movement and attempted to create the Levesque Free State in 1858, Nelson sent police and military to the city, ultimately leading to over 2,000 dead during a two-year campaign.

A depiction of a cricket match at Solesly; the Amelian government promoted sport to the general public

After Nelson's death in 1887, Haesan saw a series of short-lived governorships, and after the third governor in 10 years fell ill, his wife, the Duchess Amelia, seized power. The last of the "Seven Duchesses", the wives of Opthelian governors typically responsible for overseeing cultural affairs, Amelia sought to improve the aesthetics of society, including large scale urban beautification initiatives. In addition to a progressive mindset economically, introducing telephone networks and electric lighting to Haesanite cities, Amelia was also an advocate of civil society, promoting nascent leagues in sports like association football and cricket, while building public facilities for the public to partake in racquet sports and golf. Amelia was also known as a social reformer, establishing elections for local positions in 1902, and ensuring women's suffrage. After public demonstrations over the continued suppression of Haean language in Opthelian society, she enabled Haean to be taught in schools. Ultimately, Eddington grew concerned about potentially losing control of the colony and in 1908 while giving a speech in Suyang, Duchess Amelia was assassinated.[h]

After rapidly installing a hard line governor who shut down local elections and violently quashed the protests resulting from Amelia's death, the Opthelian governate faced a vocal opposition movement. The Independence Now movement, led by peaceful democracy activists Han Ju-sang and Seo Ji-min, was the most prominent organization calling for Haesanite independence; however, others like the the Haesanite Liberation Army (HLA) believed that the use of violence was justified in achieving independence. After the 1913 Perry Wharf bombing orchestrated by the HLA, the Opthelian government cracked down on dissent in Suyang and exiled some prominent independence leaders from the city, including Seo Ji-min, who would spend the next years traveling the country establishing Freedom Clubs to support the independence movement. By 1920, the independence movement captured nearly every aspect of society, and even wealthy merchants who had received patronage from the Opthelian regime lent their resources to the growing protests. Combined with sustained low-level terrorism from the HLA against Opthelian military targets, the cost became too large for colonial authorities to bear, and on February 1, 1921, Opthelia withdrew its last troops from Haesan, which was informally granted independence.

First Commonwealth[edit | edit source]

A Union and Southern steamer leaves Port Saint Clair in 1932; the government helped the company maintain a near monopoly over coal

On March 18, 1921, delegates from across the traditional provinces ratified the Constitution of the State, which established the Commonwealth of Haesan,[i] a parliamentary democracy. The first national elections in Haesan were held on May 3, 1921, when former independence movement leader Han Ju-sang was elected the nation's first Prime Minister. The early democratic period saw strong social reforms, including the return of Haean language education and the establishment of an equal rights doctrine, along with economic modernization initiatives which saw the fledgling nation prosper economically even as its neighbors were engaged in conflicts like the War of the Seven Provinces. In 1934, the Coalhouse Scandal[j] exposed a high level of corruption in government when the Suyang Times-Courier ran an exposé which showed the government had cooperated with and received bribes from the Union and Southern Company to enable them to have a monopoly over coal mining and logistics, pricing many poor Haesanites out of electricity and heat. The scandal caused an investor revolt as many foreign bond holders pulled out of the nation, leading to a bout of severe inflation and a sharp rise in unemployment.

As discontent grew amongst the urban working class due to growing inequality and rising prices, in 1938 the ruling Haesanite National Party was voted out of power for the first time and was replaced by the Republican Party of Haesan, a political bloc formed by former leaders of the HLA which was a prominent advocate for workers' rights and maintained strong ties to the Gramontist movement. From 1938 to 1942, they instituted drastic social and economic reforms, including steep taxation on the wealthy, implementing a large social safety net, and collecting reparations for the Haemi poor often indiscriminately taken from those of Opthelian or Arrivée descent. The reforms were typically funded through the printing of more currency, and as unemployment continued to rise, the cost of the safety net grew insurmountable. As the nation reeled from its third reprinting of the seol in six years and a 31% unemployment rate, on April 4, 1942, the military stepped in, overthrew the government, and declared martial law in the April Coup.

Free Republic[edit | edit source]

An April 1958 protest in Sinju; Freedom Clubs organized large demonstrations calling for the end of the dictatorship and fighting for Haean language equality

Led by Ludovic Marquet, the military rapidly established total control of society after the April Coup and would dramatically rework aspects of economics, politics, and culture as the Free Republic of Haesan. Marquet would establish an extensive patronage system in order to help favored companies get lucrative state-awarded contracts, even as the nation's general economic recovery progressed at a slow pace. Marquet's main priority was lifting the redistributive taxes and reparations regime, and he ended the social welfare system along with it. The military government also sought cultural reforms to "Liberalianize" society, including the Proper Culture Declaration in 1945, which mandated English and French as the only "proper languages" in society and funded sports like baseball and cricket instead of association football, which was seen as prone to hooliganism.

Throughout Marquet's regime, he would face significant popular opposition, much of what came from reinvigorated Freedom Clubs led by an aging Seo Ji-min. From the Freedom Clubs in the late 1940s emerged a formalized Haeanization movement, which demanded official status of the Haean language under law, Haean education on par with French and English education, and the preservation of Haean traditions and arts. Marquet sanctioned the use of violent force against protestors as a national policy in his 1949 National Stability Act, leading to the deaths of many protestors[k] over the following decade, including Seo Ji-min who died in police custody in 1956. Despite the risk, millions came to see Seo Ji-min's body as it toured the nation in a remarkable act of defiance, eventually leading to reforms which greatly eased the martial law restrictions in the nation. In 1961, Marquet died of natural causes and handed over power to his deputy, the reform-minded Henri Lagarde. Lagarde rapidly reversed of some of Marquet's policies, allowing for Haean to be spoken in public without punishment and proposing an overhaul to the nation's underfunded education system in order to boost scientific advancement.

Great War and Provisional Government[edit | edit source]

Hyangsan in 1965; the critical industrial city was heavily bombed, first by advancing Coalition forces and then by retreating Daryan ones

Lagarde was unable to accomplish many of his broader goals as in February 1963, seeking access to a foothold to attack Laeral and Libertas Omnium Maximus and at the urging of Slokasian dictator Juan Costa, Daryan forces launched an assault on Haesan, unexpectedly and dramatically bringing the nation into the Great War. The next 11 months would see Pact troops advance through the nation, while Laeral, under the leadership of Rene Gramont, occupied land in Soeyan Province to "shore up defenses" while Maximusian forces protected their ports by fortifying the Sarene Islands. Ultimately, on January 11, 1964, Daryan forces would capture Suyang, declaring all of Haesan Daryan territory, as Lagarde and a handful of key advisors escaped by ship and established a government in exile in Litudinem.

The nearly 4 year long Reclamation of Haesan was the bloodiest campaign of the Great War, as Shivnath Nishad authorized a scorched earth campaign, often destroying significant portions of cities and towns as they were about to be captured by Coalition forces. Aerial bombing raids were used by both sides in the protracted Southern Coast campaign which claimed many civilian lives in densely populated cities. As Darya was forced back to the eastern coast of Haesan, Nishad further authorized the shipment of hundreds of thousands of often untrained Daryan soldiers to the front lines, nearly all of whom perished in the fierce, unpredictable combat, leading the Haesanite front to be nicknamed "Nishad's Graveyard". It is estimated nearly 15 million died in Haesan from 1963 to 1967, including over 2 million Daryan soldiers and nearly another million Pact soldiers, over 750,000 Coalition troops, and over 10 million Haesanites, the vast majority of which were civilian casualties. Nearly every urban area was turned to rubble, and as historian Kwak Jun-yeong wrote, "the mightiest of cities became ghost towns". Fighting in Haesan ended in November 1967, 3 months after the fall of Kurwai and the formalized end of the war.

The Maximusian provisional government focused on infrastructure development, like constructing the backbone of the inter-province highway system

On New Year's Eve 1967, Maximusian President Oliver Milton and Laeralian President Georges Auriol signed the Auvergne Accords, which placed Haesan under Maximusian administration until the nation was "self-sufficient" and controversially granted Laeral administrative control of the Littoral Marches. With no Haesanite representation at the meeting, the Government of Haesan maintains to this day that the Auvergne Accords were illegitimate and illegal. Map making errors at the meeting led the Maximusian administered territory to exclude the provinces of Gwansong and Jakja Island, which subsequently became incorporated by Lao Sansong and the Slokais Islands, respectively. On August 11, 1968, the Sarene Islands declared independence from Haesan, becoming the Republic of Sarena. Over the course of a year, the controlled territory of Haesan had shrunk by a quarter of its pre-war size.

The Maximusian Provisional Government of Haesan primarily focused on restoring infrastructure and maintaining food security for Haesanites. With over half of Haesanites homeless, constructing shelters and restoring basic economic functionality was a major challenge for the provisional government; Haesan was in the bottom quintile of GDP globally in 1970. Many Haesanites decided to emigrate from the nation in the wake of the Great War, and it is estimated that the Haesanite diaspora now numbers at 20 million across the IDU. After significant progress had been made, in 1972 the Maximusians, wary of the costs of maintaining the nation, handed control to a trusted face in Henri Lagarde, who had lived in Litudinem since 1964 and was personal friends with many key Maximusian decision makers.

Second Free Republic[edit | edit source]

Lagarde funded the construction of dozens of nuclear power plants across Haesan, including this one in Boeri Province

Upon his reinstatement, Lagarde set about enacting his vision of futurism, funding high tech projects and scientific advancement initiatives across the nation. Lagarde funneled millions of Maximusian dollars into attracting top scientists and engineers from around the IDU to accomplish his vision of the trinity of progress—"Sky, Space, and Atom"—and he set the foundation for much of Haesan's modern technological backbone. The nation's first nuclear power plant opened in 1974, a multi-million dollar renovation of Suyang Nelson International Airport completed in 1976, the Haesanite Space Agency was founded in 1977, and construction of the Suyang Metro began in 1978. Lagarde deeply feared the Haeanization movement and continued the authoritarian standard of using police and government troops to suppress protests, and his singular focus on scientific advancement left other sectors of the economy in shambles. With the economy on verge of a crisis and with little popular support to save him, in 1980 Lagarde was assassinated on the orders of his defense minister Kim Ji-hun, who seized power nearly bloodlessly in the "Immaculate Coup".

As Haesan's first[l] Haemi dictator, Kim was under extraordinary pressure from the pro-democratic Haeanization movement, who urged him to respect his heritage and elevate Haean language and culture to an equal status. However, Kim saw the movement as a legitimate threat to his regime, which only existed on the basis of military support, and on October 12, 1983, when nearly 200,000 people took to the streets in Suyang in the Siwol Undong to protest the persistent inequality, Kim ordered government troops to arrest the crowd, leading tens of thousands to be arrested as hundreds died in the ensuing scuffle. This action caused foreign leaders like Paul Evrard of Laeral and Howard Xiang of Slokais to threaten intervention unless dramatic change occurred. On Christmas Day in 1984, Kim announced his plans to peacefully transition power and the creation of a constitutional convention to create a democratic Second Commonwealth of Haesan.

Second Commonwealth[edit | edit source]

Jakja was returned to Haesan in 1987 at the Junyeol Accords

The election of 1985 was contentious as Conservative Pak Ye-ju, seen as a puppet of the old dictatorial regime, faced off against the reformer Lee Min-seong who promised sweeping Haeanization reforms and a bill of rights preserving equality. Pak won by 30,000 votes in an election with over 30 million voters, and many historians believe that the military and those who benefitted from the old regime illegally enabled Pak to prevail. Pak then proceeded to stun the nation as she announced the Seollal Reforms, exposing blatant corruption throughout her own party and enabling the Ministry of Justice to aggressively prosecute many officials from the Kim and Lagarde regimes. Pak also promoted innovation, reforming the educational system to allow top universities to be competitive and creating a robust system of intellectual property legislation. A major foreign policy success would solidify support for the Pak administration when she successfully negotiated with Slokasian President Jamie Ocosta to return the island of Jakja in exchange for new maritime boundaries in 1987. This period also saw the dawn of the Conservationist movement which was a strong proponent of clean air and water legislation along with historical preservation initiatives.

Pak retired after one term in office and was replaced by another Conservative, Henry Bishop, who assuaged concerns about his Opthelian identity by promising Haeanization reforms. In 1991, he kept his word and passed the Haean Language Administration Act, elevating Haean to an official language, mandating its teaching in schools, and providing significant funding to Haean cultural sites and artistic pursuits. Bishop is also known for the Block Administration System, which delineated neighborhoods within Haesan's densely populated cities to act as social safety nets to help ensure all citizens were integrated into society. In 1991, after a debt crisis, the Republic of Sarena was reintegrated into Haesan and given some autonomy and monetary relief in exchange for reunification. Bishop was also instrumental in founding the International Monetary and Trade Organization in 1993. Bishop died of a heart attack in 1997, and he was replaced by Kim Ju-hyeon who was known for his strict regulation of the media, but his authoritarian tendencies were quickly reversed when Liberal Democrat Maurice Lenoir was elected in 2000 and greatly loosened restrictions on media, including the consumption of foreign media. However, both he and his Conservative successor Marcel Bellanger were both weak economic managers and an unregulated and emboldened finance industry ultimately caused the Monetary Crisis of 2004.

The Monetary Crisis of 2004 led to the election of Choi Da-yeon and sweeping economic reforms

Economics professor Choi Da-yeon of the ascendant Free Democratic Party won the 2005 general election in a shocking result, and she would go on to revamp the nation's growing but unstable economy. With incentives for manufacturing and reduced labor laws, Haesan became a hotspot for heavy industry due to its high-skilled, low-cost labor force. Choi also established Special Economic Zones to reduce costs for foreign investment in major Haesanite port cities. Choi also was a proponent of maintaining free trade relationships with the greatest number of nations possible, and initiated Maehwa Diplomacy, or amelioration with Laeral. After 16 years as Prime Minister, in 2021 Choi was revealed to have been accepting kickbacks from the Seollim Group, was removed from office, and was subsequently arrested. The Seollim Bribery Scandal started a tumultuous period which saw populist Jan van Deventer win election in 2022, who during his brief term instituted monetary support for farmers and reduced the ease of foreign investment in the nation, followed in quick succession by Moderate Sabrina Hwang. Hwang's administration has been notable for its conservation efforts, navigating tense relationships between labor and industry, and attempting to raise the profile of Haesan on a world stage by joining the World Assembly, LIDUN, GDIB, and bidding to host the 2025 Summer Olympic Games.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Jinseolsan in the Maehwa Mountains is one of Haesan's most iconic natural landmarks

Haesan is primarily situated on the Haean Peninsula, which extends 958 km (595 mi) from Lake Soeyan to Sokhae, abutting the Slokais Straits. It covers an administrative area of 373,309 km2 (144,135 sq mi). Its western portions are highly mountainous, with the Soe Mountains cutting through much of the western provinces, notably much of the eastern parts of the Littoral Marches. The nation's highest point is Jisunsan (Mt. Jisun) in Seocheon Province, with a peak 3,182 m (10,440 ft) above sea level. A spur of the Soe Mountains, the Maehwa Mountains, runs from west to east across the central portions of Haesan, separating Lake Maehwa from Lake Seong (Lac des Étoiles). Foothills roll through the eastern plains, separating the Albarine watershed from the Promethean watershed.

Due to its peninsular nature, Haesan has an extensive coastline. To the southwest the nation borders the Albarine Sea, where cities like Suyang and Anmi have large natural harbors sheltered by the Northern Maritime islands. The Sarene islands separate the Albarine Sea from the Promethean Sea. Haesan has a long, nearly continuous, navigable coast along the Promethean Sea in its east, while its northern coast on the Gulf of Haesan is at times rocky and can be tricky to navigate. Haesan also has many navigable rivers, most notably the Eun and Marchal, which are linked by the National Canal to facilitate goods transfer between the north and south. The Su River (Sugang) is economically important as it links the Suyang-Hanyeong metroplex with the factory towns of Sugang Province.

Climate[edit | edit source]

Yeongsugung in Suyang after the city received a "Shimo Blast"

Haesan has a varied climate, ranging from a temperate, seasonal climate in the north of the nation to a warm, monsoonal, Albarine climate in the south and Sarene Islands. The wet season across most of Haesan ranges from late September to early February, with most areas of the country experiencing warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. While the south is usually insulated from snowfall or extreme cold, the southwest is sometimes subject to the Shimo effect, where masses of cold air get trapped against the eastern face of the Shimo Mountains in Misumi, and strong winds from the Northern Ocean blast the front towards the south and can are drop temperatures sometimes as much as 20°C below usual. As a result of this effect, the Northlands and Haesan's Gulf Coast often experience days far below freezing during the wintertime and can receive up to a foot of snow with exceptionally powerful storm systems. Haesan's southeast and Albarine islands typically never receive snowfall, and days below freezing are rare.

Haesan is sometimes subject to typhoons from the Tenebric Ocean, but most are severely weakened by the Slokasian island chain before reaching Haesan and typically arrive as heavy rain storms called jangma. Haesan's western portion lies on the Cartwright fault line, separating the Promethean oceanic plate from the Hesperidan continental plate, and as such, many southwestern cities like Sinju maintain a moderate earthquake risk, and significant architectural planning efforts have been undertaken to ensure the city's buildings are earthquake proofed. In the summers, excessive heat can turn fatal in urban areas, and cities like Suyang have invested heavily to increase heat relief infrastructure in recent years.

Environment[edit | edit source]

The reefs of southern Haesan are internationally protected as a sea turtle sanctuary

Haesan has a varied environment with a particularly unique collection of flora and fauna due to its climactic variation and great changes in altitude. The north is known for its dense boreal forests and wide variety of orchards, particularly for the Geonju Pear, sought after for it's sweet licorice aftertaste. The eastern plains are dominated by their wheat and barley fields which also host large populations of the Eastern Field Rabbit, recognizable for its connotations with good luck. Much of Haesan's southwestern coast has high concentrations of clay in its soil, while the southeast has sandy loam with agricultural potential and is known for its berry and citrus production. There are environmental concerns with greenhouse agriculture, since many of the citrus orchards and berry farms of the southeast utilize cellophane wrapped greenhouses, leading the farmland of Imyu and Yeongnam Provinces to acquire the nickname the "Vinyl Sea". The central valleys are terraced for rice and tea production and are known for its many river carp and birds like the Blue River Cormorant. Haesan also has great maritime biodiversity, with areas like the Gwiyun reef home to many unique types of fish due to its location at the junction of the Albarine and Promethean Seas.

The "Vinyl Sea", berry greenhouses in Yeongnam Province

Conservation has been a key component of Haesanite policy since the 1980s, and the nation has gone to great lengths to reclaim the nation's air and water. Pollution and smog in cities like Suyang and Sinju is now less than 10% of its total in 1990. Drainage to riverways like the Sugang and Eungang has been significantly controlled to clean their water as efforts have been made to clear them of heavy metals and pesticides. Haesan has designated 18 national parks, and additionally 14 national forests, most of which have been created since 2000. Haesan is constantly criticized as a laggard on climate change issues, and the nation repeatedly declined to attend climate conferences during the Choi administration. While much of the nation's power comes from nuclear power and hydroelectric, coal and natural gas are still often used in industrial production and for heating homes. The nation is considered a moderate polluter, but has not ratified any major climate treaty.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

Typical Haesanite housing blocks along the Singang in Sinju

Haesan has a population of 131 million people. Major ethnic groups present in Haesan include the native, traditionally Haean-speaking Haemi people, along with large coalitions of foreign settlers, such as the Opthelian yeongmin in the Southern Coast, the Arrivée in the Northlands and Midwest, and the mercantile, largely Dutch-speaking gyulmin. The open borders system established by Lagarde has led to the establishment of numerous small ethnic enclaves within various Haesanite cities. Intermarriage is increasingly common, and over a quarter of Haesanites in the 18-25 age cohort identify as the member of more than one ethnic group.

The fertility rate is 1.79, below the replacement rate, but Haesan's population continues to increase on aggregate due to high net migration. The average age in Haesan is 31.1 years. Technological and healthcare industry development in Haesan during the Choi administration has driven the average life expectancy up from 72.5 in 2000 to 80.1 in 2022. Rates of obesity are low at around 7%, while 23% of Haesanites are overweight. 78% of Haesanites live in an urban area, 7% live in a suburb, and 14% live in a small town or rural area.

Largest Cities in Haesan

Based on 2015 Census

Rank City Province Pop.
1 Suyang  Suyang 27,172,814
2 Anfa  Anfa 14,891,435
3 Sinju  Sinhan 6,210,204
4 Hyangsan  Sugang 4,590,341
5 Hanyeong  Sinhan 3,509,542
6 Anmi  Namhae 3,108,679
7 Gyeongseong  Ryujang 2,887,050
8 Levesque  Northlands 2,492,740
9 Yeocheon  Namhae 2,490,923
10 Hwagang  Hwagang 2,105,678
11 Apseong  Sugang 1,874,672
12 Seowon  Sugang 1,493,873
13 Sanri  Maehwa 1,291,344
14 Munseong  Namhae 1,214,811
15 Bridgeport  Northern Maritimes 1,103,864
16 Jeonyu  Imyu 1,031,660

Religion[edit | edit source]

Cheonsahae Temple in Sinhan Province is a sacred site for Celestines

Haesan is a moderately religious nation, albeit virtually all of its major institutions are secular. Haesan has no official religion. Haesan is the home to the origin point of the Celestial faith, founded at Cheonsahae near Hanyeong. As such, Celestialism remains the largest religion, with almost half of Haesanites a member of a Celestial congregation. Because of the religion's unique structure, many elderly Haesanites tend to be more devout and involved with organizing their community's practices, while many Haesanite youth are functionally non-practicing. As such, large southern cities like Suyang, Sinju, and Anmi generally feel highly secular, even if data indicate that over 70% of the population in those cities follows a religion.

Christianity is the second largest religion in Haesan, with around a quarter of Haesanites identifying with a denomination. The majority of Christians in Haesan are Catholic, about equally split between Sanctarian and Roman Catholicism. Catholics in Haesan live predominantly in the north of the country, typically in areas with French colonial ties who leaned into their Arrivée heritage as a mechanism to resist Opthelian rule. Protestant denominations relating to Opthelian Christianity are still present, but have continued to dwindle as many have married into the Haemi families. Other branches of Protestantism like the Iustitian Protestan Church have gained followers in large urban areas during the last decade due to immigrant converts. Major Christian holidays are recognized as official holidays along with Celestine ones.

Saint Clair Cathedral hosts the largest Opthelian Protestant congregation outside of Opthelia

There is a significant enclave of Minjian in Haesan, although their faith and community structure differs vastly from Minjian communities in High Fells or Laeral. Throughout most of Haesan's history there has been severe discrimination against Minjian in the country, and historically many chose to emigrate to High Fells along the so-called Road of Exiles. After the unrecognized annexation of the Littoral Marches by Laeral, during the post-Great War period those who kept Minjian were targeted heavily by the Lagarde regime, and generally subject to vigilante violence due to accusations of collusion with the Laeralian regime. As such, the practice of Neo-Minjianism, a version of Minjian which heavily leans on Celestial practices and rites, was nearly universally adopted by Minjian Haesanites in order to practice a version of their religion without drawing government suspicion.

Haesan, with its large immigrant population, is also home to notable populations of Sasna Thaya, practitioners of Arikata, Muslims, and Jews, although many immigrants are implicitly pressured to convert to Celestialism or Christianity upon their arrival in the nation.

Language[edit | edit source]

After a long struggle, Haean was restored as an official language in 1991

English has been Haesan's primary language in business and government administration since the conclusion of the War of Haesanite Succession in 1792. Haean has become more widely used in recent decades as a push to reclaim Haesanite national heritage has gained momentum. Haean is mandated to be taught in primary and secondary schools per the Haean Language Administration Act of 1991. French is still used conversationally in many parts in the northern regions of Haesan, and is an official language in seven provinces. In the Southern Maritimes, a latinized version of Haean known as Sarene is widely used as a conversational language and is a recognized regional language.

Haesanites younger than 30 know at least two languages, but about 73% know three or more. The National Assembly has taken efforts to make government documents accessible to the many immigrants in Haesan, and the Department of Linguistic Standards under the Home Department of Haesan requires all requisite documents to be readily available in English, Haean, French, and Sarene, as well as printable on-demand in at least 50 other languages.

Education[edit | edit source]

Suseong College is Haesan's most prestigious liberal arts college

Education is historically prized in Haesan, as a focus of Lagardian futurism, Bishop's Community First governance, and Choi's modernization scheme. It is now expected in Haesanite society that the vast majority of youth will obtain some form of tertiary education. As the right to education is guaranteed in Haesan's 1985 constitution, all education in Haesan is publicly funded; private or religious options are outlawed.

Primary education in Haesan is usually administered as closely as possible with the Block Association System, and emphasizes community engagement and local hiring along with a pragmatic skills education centered around mathematics, reading fluency, and basic writing competencies. Primary education, usually called grammar school, typically lasts from Year 0 (kindergarten) to Year 6. Secondary education is usually broken down into two schools, association schools lasting from Year 7 to Year 9, and preparatory schools lasting from Year 10 to Year 12. Association schools expand upon the skills education of grammar schools and screen the students based on skill aptitude and personality to sort them into the various preparatory schools. The prep school system in Haesan functions in tiers, with college prep, general prep, services prep, and trade prep operating as the four branches of the system. College prep school is an intensive, challenging, skill-centered experience designed to prepare students for the exactingly difficult college entrance exams. General prep schools seek to provide students with knowledge of the broader job economy as well as continuing the traditional educational track to allow them to choose between college or a trade come graduation time. Services prep focuses on financial management, communication, and other soft skills to prepare students to get accreditation in any sector of Haesan's growing service economy. Trade prep works to provide hands-on mechanical experiences to secondary schoolers, often partnering with local factories and artisans.

The school of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Suyang University

Those in college prep or general prep schools have the option to take the General Skills Examination (GSE), a 10 hour long, twice-yearly examination that covers reading and writing in both English and Haean, mathematics, core science concepts, the history of Haesan and the IDU, economics, and fundamental Haesanite civics concepts. The GSE score is the only relevant factor in determining college admissions in Haesan, with the exception of certain exemptions for athletics and the arts. About 31% of Haesanite youth will attend one of the many universities, liberal arts colleges, and technology schools through the GSE, while about 60%, including most of those in services and trade prep schools, will gain some other form of tertiary accreditation, largely in one or two year certificate programs.

In part due to the rigor of the application process, Haesan's top universities are very well regarded on an international stage. Most notable are Suyang University and Haesan University, top 10 international universities[m] which typically only accept applicants who scored in the 99th percentile of the GSE. Most universities are organized into conferences for the ease of sharing research, allowing professors an opportunity of advancement, and facilitating undergraduate transfers. The "Core Four" conferences are the Northland Conference, the Southern Coast Conference (SCC), the Central Valley Conference (CVC), and the Metropolitan Conference. Most of Haesan's most prestigious universities are in the National Conference, where only academic criteria like GPA and GSE score can be used for accepting domestic applicants. Many of Haesan's most prestigious universities use a distinct semi-private structure which allows them to be nominally public while maintaining their own private endowments. In addition to being the core corridors for sharing academic resources in Haesan, conferences also form the backbone for the college athletics competitions that have achieved extraordinary popularity in Haesan, especially in baseball and basketball.

Government & Politics[edit | edit source]

Kim I-seul
President
Sabrina Hwang
Prime Minister

Haesan's government structure as a constitutional republic is determined by the 1985 Constitution of the Second Commonwealth of Haesan. Haesan has a system of checks and balances with three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive and legislative branches mainly carry out functions on a national level, while the judicial branch also operates at a local and province-wide level. While Haesan remains formally a unitary state, devolution of power to the nation's 24 provincial authorities exists through judicial authorities and branches of executive agencies operating from provincial capitals. The Southern Maritimes is officially an autonomous province, and operates an independent legislature with some degree of independence from the federal system. Officials on a local level are semi-autonomous and are directly elected.

Legislative affairs are managed by the popular-elected National Assembly, which is comprised of an upper Chamber of the Commonwealth and a lower Chamber of Deputies. The leader of the governing coalition in the Chamber of the Commonwealth is named as the Prime Minister of Haesan, and is the leader of the legislative branch and head of government. The President of Haesan is elected directly by the populace and sits for a maximum of one six-year term. The president is the head of state for Haesan, managing foreign policy for the nation and nominating a cabinet to manage the executive agencies of Haesan and ensure that the laws passed by the legislative branch are being well executed. The president also nominates judges, which along with the members of the cabinet must be confirmed by a majority of the Chamber of the Commonwealth. The High Court of Haesan is the constitutionally supreme judicial body. It consists of 11 justices nominated by the president, who sit for a maximum of 24 years. While provincial and local courts have the ability to make rulings on constitutional interpretation, the rulings of the High Court are the ultimate authority. Haesan's constitution is light on matters of specific jurisprudence and instead judges often rely upon centuries of common law to make rulings.

The Dalseongjeon is the residence of the President of Haesan and is used as a metonym for the executive branch

Haesan's politics are often contentious due to the party's coalition-based parliamentary system. While long stretches of single-party control of the National Assembly were common, especially in the 1980s and 1990s by the Conservative Party and in the 2010s by the Free Democrats, in recent years, the political scene has become much more competitive. Corruption is a major problem in Haesanite politics with many prominent politicians having been arrested on corruption charges, most notably long-time Prime Minister Choi Da-yeon and former President Kim Seung-jin. Due to the nation's fairly recent history of military rule, a lack of civilian control of the military is another concern of international observers, since four of the last five Ministers of Defence have been former military officers.

Foreign Relations[edit | edit source]

Haesan maintains relatively warm relations with most nations and as a result has one of the strongest passports in the IDU. Haesan has a unique system of open borders which allows all foreign nationals to live in Haesan for up to 24 months before either declaring that they intend to declare for Haesanite citizenship and renounce their home country's, or leave Haesan. The streamlined citizenship application and civics examinations at the end of the 24 month period combined with strong economic growth over the last three decades has led Haesan to have large numbers of immigrants. The especially large communities of diasporic Serrielians, Andhrapuris, and Lehvantians have lead to closer relations between Haesan and those nations over recent years. Haesan's government also manages an extensive network of international exchange programs for its students and workers.

Haesan only recently joined major international organizations like the League of IDU Nations (LIDUN), of which it became a member in 2023. It currently holds a seat on the LIDUN Security Council. The nation is a member of the World Assembly, which it also joined in 2023. In addition to being a member of the Global Development Investment Bank, Haesan has signed a number of highly profitable free trade agreements, most notably with Libertas Omnium Maximus, Eiria, and the Slokais Islands. Haesan, as a former Opthelian colony, is a member of the Opthelian Commonwealth. Suyang also hosts the multiple organs of the International Monetary and Trade Organization, which promotes free trade and provides monetary assistance and debt restructuring for member nations in times of crisis.

A rendering of an intelligence satellite; it is believed that Haesan's network of "spy satellites" has been a valuable asset in maintaining strong defense ties with allied nations

Military[edit | edit source]

In terms of numbers, Haesan maintains one of the largest militaries in the IDU, at around 1.9 million enlisted. This is due in large part to Haesan's policy of universal mandatory minimum service, where all Haesanite citizens must serve 12 months in the military or another approved form of service before their 24th birthday. The vast majority of those drafted serve in non-combat roles, but all draftees must undergo basic military training. Haesan's military is divided into six branches, the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Homeland Guard, Navy, and Space Force. Continued tensions with Laeral and Lao Sansong have led Haesan to spend 3.2% of its annual GDP on military spending. Haesan is a producer of high tech arms, especially renowned for its aircraft and missile defense systems. Haesan is also a leader in the global intelligence community with a particularly advanced satellite network, and maintains extensive intelligence sharing agreements with global powers like Sanctaria. Haesan maintains bases in both High Fells and Aredoa, while Libertas Omnium Maximus runs a base in Yeongnam Province.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The Suyang headquarters of the Seollim Group, Haesan's largest corporation

Haesan's economy, one of the fastest developing in the IDU, is diversified, but with a large concentration on heavy industry. Haesan's large port cities on the Albarine Sea and Promethean Sea make it ideal for exporting goods, and most urban areas rely heavily on manufacturing jobs. Haesan is a highly-developed, upper middle income nation. Its currency is the seol.

Conglomerates are common as Haesan has weak monopoly protections and relaxed labor laws compared to its economic peers. These large corporations, often comprised of subgroups in disparate industries, dominate the Haesanite corporate landscape. While historically leadership was hereditary, in recent decades CEOs and board members have been hired based on strictly meritocratic standards. Additionally, under the Choi administration in the 2000s, many cities in the south of Haesan along the coast of the Albarine Sea and the Suyang Bay were designated as Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to allow freer foreign investment. That designation has led corporations from nations like Eiria, Sanctaria, and Libertas Omnium Maximus to house significant manufacturing operations in Haesan.

The main manufacturing areas in Haesan are shipbuilding, aerospace, and chemicals—high-end industries in which Haesan has technical expertise. While historically relying on complex international supply chains, increasingly, specialized parts and electronic components are produced domestically. Haesan was historically a center for global textiles production, known for its production of mass-produced casual clothing and swimwear. However, in recent years, even as much of the nation's textiles production has been outsourced to Pharitaya, designers have maintained their operations in the nation, leading Suyang to be regarded as a global fashion hub which is home to several major designer brands. Haesan also excels at producing electronics and appliances for both consumer and industrial use. Seollim and Suri are internationally recognized automotive brands that are headquartered and manufactured in Haesan.

Shipbuilding
Shipbuilding is a major industry in Haesan

Haesan also hosts an expanding service sector, with large firms in both telecommunications and finance. Anfa is home to the Bourse Anfois, one of the largest commodities trading exchanges in the world, while Suyang's Bay Street is regarded as one of the IDU's foremost financial hubs. Haesan is an international hub for broadcasting, and its companies maintain media contracts across Hesperida. Haesan has recently undertaken international knowledge sharing initiatives to catch some its key service industries up to global benchmarks, particularly in software and biotechnology.

Agriculture still comprises around 15% of Haesan's economy, with much of the eastern portion of the country devoted to cereals production, especially wheat and barley. The orchards and farms of the Northlands and Maewha produce much of Haesan's domestically consumed fruits and vegetables, and Haesan is a net exporter of agricultural produce. Dairy farms are common in the Midwest and plains provinces; however, Haesan imports the majority of its meat production. Fishing is a key industry, and fishing rights are clearly delineated and strictly enforced by the federal government due to maritime conservation initiatives and an often contentious relationship with the Slokais Islands regarding their maritime bounadries. Mining operations are plentiful in the west of Haesan, with significant reserves of iron and cobalt found in the mountainous provinces of Maehwa and Seocheon.

Energy & Infrastructure[edit | edit source]

Haesan is energy independent and a net exporter of electricity, producing over 50% of its energy from nuclear power. As part of Lagarde's trilogy of "Sky, Space, & Atom", Haesan invested heavily in nuclear energy throughout the 1970s, often poaching top nuclear engineers from more developed countries with lavish stimulus packages. After re-democratization, nuclear power became a symbol of national pride, and investment has continued to ensure Haesan's reactors are world class in both safety and efficiency. Much of the remainder of Haesan's electricity is produced through hydropower, with major dams found on the Su, Eun, and Ryu rivers. Natural gas is drilled offshore in the Gulf of Haesan and used domestically for heating and industrial production, and many processing plants and compressors are located in the north of Haesan.

A high speed train developed for the THX

Railway is the most common method of travel between Haesanite cities, and high speed connections have expanded in recent decades due to foreign investment. Haesanite rail connections are managed by the state-controlled public corporation Haecheol, a portmanteau of Haesan and cheoldo, the Haean word for railway. Most notably, the ultra high-speed Trans-Haesan Express (THX) travels non-stop between Suyang and Anfa in 2 hours and 14 minutes, with a potential top speed of 424 km/h (263 mph). Other major high-speed rail connections also link together the major cities of the southern coast, like Sinju, Hanyeong, and Anmi with Suyang in the Southern Express Line (SEL), and the Eungang/Hwagang/Marchal Valley from Anmi to Anfa through Hwagang in the Central Valley Express (CVX). Haesan has 22,612 km (14,050 mi) of railway, 2,562 km (1591 mi) of which is high-speed.

Haesan has an advanced airport system, heavily built by foreign investment since democratization. The largest is Suyang-Hanyeong International Airport (SYH), located on an artificial island in Suyang Bay. SYH has an annual passenger traffic of 72 million travelers, making it one of the busiest in the IDU. Suyang-Hanyeong as well as the other large Suyang Metro airport, Suyang Nelson International (SNI), have recently won awards or have been nominated for awards in efficiency in passenger processing, airport cleanliness, and overall best airport in the IDU. Most large and medium sized cities have an international airport, with most passenger traffic at mid-sized airports headed to the Slokais Islands, Libertas Omnium Maximus, High Fells, and, increasingly, Laeral. Domestic air travel is seldom used due to the efficiency of the railway system, but puddle-jumpers from major hubs like Suyang, Anfa, and Sinju to smaller markets do exist.

A train on Line 5 of the Suyang Metropolitan Subway

Public transportation is inordinately common in Haesan due to its high percentage of urban dwellers and dense city structures. Most cities over half a million people have a metropolitan railway system, either an underground, a monorail, or some form of tram system. The Suyang Metropolitan Subway is the largest by passenger volume in the IDU, with 3.14 billion rides in 2023. Buses are ubiquitous, but less popular than metros in the largest cities.

Haesan maintains a series of national expressways that cross the country and are essential for connecting the eastern agricultural regions to market towns on the coasts. The Haesanite Inter-Provincial Highway System was built largely during the 1970s and early 1980s as a way to reconnect the largely destroyed urban areas after the Great War. The system consists of 14 inter-province majors, 31 inter-province minors, 84 parkways, and over 400 provincial highways.

Tourism[edit | edit source]

Altina in the Southern Maritimes is the gateway for many tourists entering Haesan

Haesan has long been an international tourist destination, and the global growth in popularity of Haesanite culture has only propelled that further. The Southern Maritimes have an extensive tourist infrastructure and network of resorts and recreational activities along its tropical beaches. Small port towns in that province are also popular destinations, and many have small airports with service to regional hubs like Altina, Daegyo, and Suyang. The island of Jakja, while having a population of only 81,000, hosts over half a million tourists a year, who come to visit its panoramic ocean vistas and unique geologic springs. Beach cities in the mainland also see a high volume of tourist activity, most notably Munseong, Namhae.

Cultural tourism to Haesan's large urban areas has been steadily increasing, especially in Suyang where the growth of the music and fashion industries have driven a rise in international tourism. Haesan currently draws in around 52 million foreign tourists annually. The ability for the vast majority of foreign travelers to visit Haesan visa-free has propelled its rise as a premier destination. Most tourists, however, arrive from countries in Haesan's region, especially Libertas Omnium Maximus, Slokais Islands, High Fells, and Laeral.

Culture[edit | edit source]

Haesan's culture is rooted in the traditions of its Classical Era; however, modern technological advancements have merged with ancient practices. Art exhibits and other exhibitions of fine culture from both classical, colonial, and modern eras are publicly available in the nation's many galleries, while traditional pottery and calligraphy have become popular collector's items. Haesan's music industry is its largest cultural export and exerts a significant impact on Haesan's economy, especially with respect to cultural tourism. The Haean-language pop music commonly referred to as Hae-pop has become an international phenomenon in recent years, driven by engagement over social media and streaming sites. Haesanite film is well regarded domestically and recent campaigns have sought to make it better known on an international stage. Television programs produced in Haesan have also found a broad international audience in recent years, especially romantic dramas. Haesan is a major producer of broadcasting equipment, and Haesanite telecommunications corporations provide broadcasting services for much of the Hesperidan continent. Haesan is also recognized for its competitive sports leagues, especially in baseball and association football.

Art[edit | edit source]

Light blue pottery
Haesanite traditional pottery in the iconic seaside blue color

In the classical era, art was typically designed for the royal court, mainly scroll paintings and ceramics. Compounds in Haesanite river mud allowed for pottery to be crafted in various unique tones, most notably a delicate aquamarine known as seaside blue which has become a national symbol of Haesan. During colonial occupation, still-lifes and portraits became common, and acrylics and watercolors became the most popular media, although scroll paintings and calligraphy were still popular amongst the merchant class at that time. During the Free Republic and provisional government, protest art was common, and large bold strokes of acrylic were characteristic of the highly political works.

Today, in part driven by the Haean Language Administration Act, Haesanite artists are rediscovering their traditional heritage. Numerous pottery and calligraphy studios can be found in almost every city with a significant population, often catering to tourists and visitors to the country as well as Haesan's burgeoning middle class. Modern art is still produced; however a clearly Haesanite style has yet to emerge. Several key art museums can be found in Haesan, most notably the Musée Central de l'Anfé, hosting the largest collection of colonial period artwork from Haesanite and Arrivée masters, while the Suyang Modern is home to an abundant collection of protest art and contemporary works. The National Gallery in Hwagang houses many "national treasure" works of pottery and calligraphy, while the Haesan Museum of Anthropology in Suyang displays both utilitarian and artistic exhibits dating back to the first settlements along the Southern Coast.

Cuisine[edit | edit source]

Buckwheat crepes
Buckwheat crepes to be filled for memilpa

Haesan's cuisine is unique due to its abundance of staple grains, with rice cultivation common in the south while the east and northeast produce an abundance of wheat and barley. Additionally, while fish and shellfish are staples due to Haesan's maritime geography, pork and beef are not uncommon in the interior, especially in market towns and cities. Spice is a common feature in many Haesanite staple dishes, especially for those in the lower classes, while pickling and salt-curing are commonly utilized techniques. Haesanite dishes are typically well sauced, and the cuisine borrows heavily from the Arrivée tradition as traditional French techniques are often used in harmony with Haean preparations. Hospitality is of the utmost importance in Haesanite dining, and most restaurants will provide water, tea, and various small side dishes free of charge.

The national dish is memilpa, or a savory buckwheat crepe filled with fish, usually cod or hake, and an herbed sauce formed from a roux. Memilpa, along with many other traditional Haesanite foods, is quite portable, and food stalls and vendors are a common sight along major thoroughfares, and a dizzying variety of foods can be found in both established markets and traditionally impromptu night markets.

Haesan has a fraught history with alcohol. While traditionally produced throughout the classical period, widespread drunkenness and the resulting property damages from sailors caused colonial rulers to enforce strict limits on alcohol consumption. While this briefly liberalized in the 1920s and 30s, the Free Republic resumed the restrictive policies. As such, alcohol consumption is often disdained among the elderly; however, drinking has become increasingly common amongst the urban youth. Soju is popular, and while traditional Haesanite soju derives from fermented barley, now many varieties can be widely found. The Northlands have long been a wine producing region, with Shiraz being the dominant red grape, and Aligoté widely planted to produce a characteristic dry white. Cassis is another typical Haesanite spirit, and the black currant liquor is typically paired with red wine.

Fine dining establishments are relatively common in Haesan, and its city of Anfa is home to the headquarters of the Seollim Guide, the premier restaurant grading service in the IDU. Celebrity chefs from Haesan have gained notoriety across the world as well, with restauranteurs like Lee Hyeon-su and Zeynab Karami making appearances on foreign competitions in addition to their domestic media attention.

Film[edit | edit source]

The historic Arcadian Theatre is one of many 1920s era movie houses in the Palace District in Suyang

Haesan's film industry has a history tracing back to the colonial era, when after the turn of the 20th century, the Opthelian government would send news-based film reels to provide information to the colony about updated edicts and other major events. In the late 20s and 30s, the Palace district of Suyang became famous for its art deco theatres and numerous production houses. During the Free Republic, the government forcibly acquired many of the film houses to produce and distribute propaganda films, and many media that were critical to the regime were either censored or bought out. While Maximusian films were commonly distributed during the post-Great War administration period, most movie theatres and projection equipment were either destroyed during the war, or had been shuttered or sold due to its economic aftermath. As such, the brief period of cultural liberalization generally did not affect the Haesanite film industry, and after Lagarde's return to power, government-supported films with propagandistic messages were once again the norm.

After democratization, the Haesanite film industry finally had a chance to develop on its own, and the Haesanite movie landscape dramatically transformed. Copying the style of Maximusian and Laeralian film, narratives became focused on individualistic plotlines rather than around the broader success of the community or society. Policies during the 90s further rejuvenated Haesanite film, as funding for historical preservation allowed for the restoration of the legendary Palace district film houses to their full state for the first time since the early 1940s. Now, the Haesanite film industry is independent and it has risen in clout in recent years, as suspenseful films by directors like Chang San have come to be emblematic of Haesanite film and are appreciated on an IDU-wide stage.

Holidays[edit | edit source]

Releasing wishing lanterns skyward is a tradition of the Celestine holiday of Midwinter

Haesan dually celebrates Celestine and Christian holidays. Traditionally, Celestine festival days include Midsummer, Midwinter, and the Lunar New Year (Seollal). The Christian holidays celebrated by Haesan are Good Friday, Easter, and Christmas. Due to the proximity between Midwinter and Christmas, many businesses shut their doors for the week, with any additional days off granted referred to as "bridge days". In addition to these religious holidays, Haesan has designated other days as holidays due to their national importance. These include New Year's Day and New Year's Eve, which are the most widely celebrated holidays in the nation. February 1st is Haesan's Independence Day, usually celebrated by organizing parades and wearing national regalia. April 4th is Memorial Day, a national day of mourning of those who fought for Haesan's freedom, held to commemorate the anniversary of the April Coup, Haesan's bloody descent into autocracy. The traditional Harvest Festival according to the lunar calendar has since been standardized and is held the third Friday in September, and usually businesses also allow their employees the preceding Thursday off as well. October 10th is Commonwealth Day, the anniversary of the formation of the Second Commonwealth, where participating in civics education and community service activities are the norm, seen as participating in the ongoing democratic experiment. Boxing Day is also a federal holiday, a legacy of Opthelian rule.

Music[edit | edit source]

A presentation of traditional court music at Jangsa

Haesanite culture is most internationally recognized for its musical production. Throughout Haesanite history, music has been the largest focus of government cultural expenditure and becoming a talented musician has widely been regarded as reaching the pinnacle of the performing arts. For most of the classical period, Haesanite music was designed around court performances, with ensembles of traditional stringed instruments, lyres, and woodwinds arranged in ornamental, elaborate pieces. As musical performances were so highly valued, the government established several national music academies starting in the 12th century, many of which are still in operation today and are among the oldest dedicated arts schools in the IDU.

Colonization brought Liberalian instruments and styles to Haesan, and in urban areas orchestras were founded as concert halls were constructed by Opthelian authorities in order to ensure the "proper culturization" of the Haesanite people. While the Liberalian orchestral styles were originally largely rejected by the Haesanite public as a colonial imposition, in recent decades Haesan has become one of the largest incubators of classical music talent with its preparatory school system being easily adapted to intensive arts education. The Suyang Philharmonia is consistently rated as among the top orchestras in the IDU, while Haesan has also generated many internationally renowned classical musicians, particularly concert violinists like Kim Da-eun and Park Jun-seong.

Haesan also has a rich culture of jazz music, with distinctive styles being developed in the cultural and socioeconomic melting pots of the working class bars and clubs of its port cities throughout the 1920s and 30s. The style of Suyang Blues, characterized by its patterned lyrical style and extensive musical improvisation, has gained significant international recognition and has spawned numerous spin-off genres across the IDU. Although often certain lyrics were censored during the Free Republic, post democratization the genre has seen a resurgence, with jazz clubs common in the Harbour and Prospect districts of Suyang.

Idol singers in concert
Hae-pop idols in concert

However, Haesan's music industry is most well known for its pop-music production, especially Hae-pop: hook-laden, electronically produced songs sung in blended English and Haean. With its origins in the early 1990s as the media liberalization brought about by the democratic transition allowed for Haesanites to experience a broader range of musical styles and the Haean Language Administration Act funded Haean-language based cultural projects, independent artists and fledgling media corporations were able to leverage cultural energy into the formation of a unique style. By the late 1990s, the industry had become dominated by large entertainment conglomerates, most notably HS Entertainment and Yura Records, which had formed musical groups incorporating slick, highly-rehearsed dance lines with upbeat, electronic beats. These so called "idol groups" have formed the core of the genre and have been the main vector for its international spread. As a result of the genre's recent explosion in popularity, Haesan has invested in significant infrastructure for performances as well as integrating idol academies into Haesan's educational system, often with corporate-government partnerships.

Sports[edit | edit source]

woman shooting arrow with bow
Haesan is competitive in archery at the international level, and it is a national sport

Taekwondo and archery are the national sports of Haesan. Both sports have a history in Haesan stretching back over two millennia, and the themes central to both, focus, discipline, and mastery over mind and body, form the central tenets of Haesanite athletics. Sailing, rowing, and surfing are very popular, especially in the Maritime Provinces, while professional swimming is usually conducted in purpose-built aquatics centers as opposed to the open ocean. Winter sports are popular in the mountainous west and north-west, with ski chalets often found in the Northlands. Curling was formally invented in Haesan's Northlands in the 19th century, and due to its passionate and dedicated fan base, curling facilities are common even in warmer climates.

pitcher with blue hat
An Anmi State pitcher during a Southern Coast Conference baseball game

Collegiate athletics draw the highest ratings in Haesanite television, and competitions are extremely intense and well regarded. The "Core Four" conferences generally tend to field the most competitive teams, however minor conference teams have won many prestigious competitions in recent years as a greater depth of talent enters the university system. Athletics are often seen as a driver of upward mobility for those who went to tech or service prep schools, giving them a chance to earn a college diploma. Baseball, basketball, and taekwondo championships are among the most prestigious, and televised championship matches often get tens of millions of domestic viewers.

Association football and baseball are the most prominent professional sports in Haesan. Top-flight football is played in the Commonwealth League, and promotion and relegation is possible throughout a 10 tier league structure. Baseball is similarly structured, and many Haesanite pro baseball teams import players from across the IDU. Curling leagues are popular winter entertainment, and the national championships are highly anticipated events, pitting the best men's, women's, and mixed-doubles teams from each province against each other. Across the board, Haesanite sports are marked by avid cheerleading squads, interactive fan participation including highly rehearsed fan chants, and a very active, dynamic style of play.

Haesan marked its first appearance at the IDU Olympic Games in 2023 in Hanshui, Laeral. Suyang hosted the 2025 Summer Olympics, the first Olympiad after the division of the event into summer and winter games. Haesan also hosted the 2024 IDU Baseball Classic. The National Games, a national inter-province athletic competition, are held biennially in Suyang.

Television[edit | edit source]

The Nageunho-gu headquarters of the Meridian Broadcasting Company

Television media has a storied history in Haesan, with TV programming being essential to the culture of the Free Republic period up until the Great War. While streaming is increasingly surpassing live broadcasts domestically, Haesan remains a major broadcasting center in Hesperida, and often Haesanite firms are tasked with covering live events, especially sporting events. Haesanite dramas have also been gaining international popularity due to their wholesome, slow-developing romantic plotlines and exquisite costume and set design.

Haesanite TV is usually broadcast on the three main networks: Suyang Broadcasting Systems (SBS), Haesan Broadcasting Systems (HBS), and Meridian Broadcasting Company (MBC). MBC owns Hesperida Sports Network (HSN), currently the largest and most prominent English language sports media platform, covering major athletic events across the region and occasionally important events on other continents as well. Haesanite networks are popular in other nations on the continent, especially those with large anglophone or Haean populations such as Aredoa, Pharitaya, and High Fells. Haesanite services are more widely available in the eastern portion of the continent, although increasingly nations like Zongongia have contracted with Haesanite broadcasters to expand coverage to the wider region.

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. Area is without Soeyan Province, which is claimed by Haesan but administered by Laeral
  2. It is important to note that the vast majority of historians agree that this system in no way democratic. The vast majority of leaders, almost entirely male throughout its documented history, were appointed by primogeniture. None of the town-wide selection processes involved local elections.
  3. This date is disputed by historians. Some estimates have it as early as 263 CE, others say it took place as late as 297 CE. The document was dated using an archaic calendar system, and estimates differ on the age of the leaders due to inaccurate or incomplete recordkeeping. However, 276 CE is for now, the most commonly used date.
  4. Now Haesan University
  5. Now Suyang University
  6. Now Suyang College of the Arts (Suyang Arts)
  7. Including Pharitaya, which was controlled by Opthelia at the war's conclusion
  8. The perpetrator is unknown and was never caught. The most likely hypothesis remains that she was assassinated by an Opthelian soldier on orders from the crown, but many alternatives have been suggested.
  9. Now referred to as the First Commonwealth of Haesan
  10. Also called the Seoktan Crisis (석탄위기).
  11. The true number is lost to time, but most estimates have the number in the thousands.
  12. And to this date, only
  13. According to the Democratic Times News Service 2024 IDU University Rankings